<b>Exploring the Mediating Role of Entrepreneurial Passion in the Relationship Between Support Systems and Entrepreneurial Intention</b>

Entrepreneurial intention is a critical precursor to venture creation, influenced by various support systems and psychological factors. This study examines the relationships between family support, perceived educational support, and perceived institutional support on entrepreneurial intention, with entrepreneurial passion as a mediating variable. Drawing on theories such as the Theory of Planned Behavior, Social Cognitive Theory, and Affect Theory, the research employs a quantitative approach, surveying 450 university students in Gujranwala, Pakistan. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) and mediation analysis via Hayes' PROCESS macro. The results reveal that all three support systems significantly predict entrepreneurial intention, with perceived educational support exhibiting the strongest direct effect (β = 0.27, *p* < .001). Entrepreneurial passion not only directly influences intention (β = 0.35, *p* < .001) but also mediates 28–41% of the effects of family, educational, and institutional support on entrepreneurial intention. Family support shows the highest indirect effect through passion (β = 0.13, 95% CI [0.08, 0.19]), highlighting its role in fostering emotional engagement. These findings underscore the importance of integrating multiple support systems to nurture entrepreneurial ecosystems, with passion serving as a key motivational bridge. Practical implications suggest that educators should enhance experiential learning programs, policymakers should improve institutional frameworks, and families should provide emotional and financial backing to stimulate entrepreneurial activity. The study contributes to theory by validating passion as a mediator and offers actionable insights for stakeholders aiming to promote entrepreneurship.