Incubation of social businesses: a comparative analysis of generalist and specialist incubators in Brazil and Portugal

Purpose This study aims to comparatively analyze how generalist and specialized incubators in Brazil and Portugal deal with the paradox of hybridity, address institutional gaps, and adapt their services in the incubation process of Social Businesses (SBs). Design/methodology/approach This qualitative study used content analysis of 12 semi-structured interviews and documents from six incubators in each country, selected through purposeful sampling. Deductive coding and Atlas.ti software were used for data analysis. Findings Generalist incubators provide a broader range of services, though often generic and based on standardized logics (e.g. the CERNE model). Specialist incubators adopt adaptive and territorial approaches, offering services more closely aligned with SBs’ needs. Divergences were identified in selection criteria (innovation vs. impact), incubation duration (up to 2 years in Brazil, up to 4 in Portugal), and support for different hybrid typologies. Policies such as PIS 2030 (Portugal) mitigate institutional voids, while in Brazil challenges remain regarding access to capital and regulation. Research limitations/implications The sample was limited to 12 incubators and did not include the perspectives of incubated entrepreneurs. Practical implications The study recommends the creation of modular incubation pathways for SBs, the fostering of international partnerships, and the development of hybrid impact metrics. Social implications The findings highlight the strategic role of incubators in promoting ventures that balance social mission and financial sustainability, contributing to the reduction of institutional voids and the strengthening of social innovation ecosystems. Originality/value This study proposes a Three-Dimensional Analytical Model (Context, Incubator Typology, Incubation Process) to better understand the effectiveness of support for SBs.