Table 4 Process documentation findings of intervention successes, challenges, and potential modifications of EMERGE feasibility randomized clinical trial
| Â | Successes | Challenges | Potential modifications for effectiveness trial |
|---|---|---|---|
Recruitment | On-site information and screening enhanced identification of participants. | Initial high motivation met by low engagement by some participants. | Assess readiness to start a business, such as referral or extended screening. |
Randomization | Most participants completed steps for randomization eligibility. | Some participants were disappointed with randomization assignment. | Consider cluster randomization or wait-list control design. |
Intervention participation | |||
 Sessions | Sessions held at CBO at two different times with lunch and make-up materials. | Attendance declined over time with some training goals being too advanced. | More frequent, simplified sessions over shorter study period with travel supplement. |
 Grants | Prepared milestones and approved spending plan prior to disbursement. | Some funds were unspent due to low financial literacy in ordering supplies. | Provide more support for purchasing supplies and materials via accountant. |
 Mentors | Local and racially-diverse entrepreneurs matched to participants’ interests. | Schedules conflicted with sessions with limited ability to hire some participants, low trust. | Engage mentors at participant enrollment, using trust-building activities. |
Non-participation | Minimized non-participation during first half of study (weeks 1 to 10). | Changing schedules or phone availability interrupted session attendance and survey completion, respectively. | Provide option to participate in asynchronous, online educational sessions and email/phone surveys. |
Text message survey | Convenient and easy to use with weekly payment for response. | Malfunctioning phone and/or service at times with payment delays. | Include fewer questions over shorter study period with mobile payment. |
Sample size | Appropriate for feasibility assessment and enabled personal attention. | Some participants wanted larger cohort to maximize peer interaction and group businesses. | Consider peer referral at study enrollment for larger effectiveness trial cohort. |