From access to accounts, retention, output completion, and migrating capability gaps in a three-phase hybrid incubation program for women micro-entrepreneurs

Hybrid incubation programs are increasingly used to support women micro-entrepreneurs, yet limited evidence exists on how participant retention, output completion, and learning barriers evolve throughout incubation. This study examines the three-phase Mekaarpreneur incubation program in East Java, Indonesia, which supported women participating in the PNM Mekaar microfinance scheme through twelve alternating offline and online sessions and a Demo Day from August to November 2025. Using a longitudinal embedded single-case study design, program records were analyzed through descriptive analysis of attendance and output data, complemented by directed content analysis of session reports and the Demo Day assessment rubric. Attendance declined from 57 to 16 participants. The offline–online attendance gap narrowed from 21.1 percentage points in Phase I to 0.9 and 0 points thereafter. Retained participants completed 97.1% of Phase II outputs. Reported barriers shifted from device access to digital-use skills, followed by financial, analytical, and pitching capabilities. These findings highlight the need for early retention strategies and subsequent curricula and assessment rubrics aligned with capabilities needed to translate learning into tangible business outcomes.