scholarly journals Economic Contributions and Challenges of Immigrant Entrepreneurs to Their Host Country – Case of African Immigrants in Auckland, New Zealand

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 25
Author(s):  
Olufemi Muibi Omisakin
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Small Business ◽  
Host Country ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Business Owners ◽  
Small Business Owners ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Immigrant Entrepreneurship ◽  
Immigrant Entrepreneurs ◽  
Definition Of

Entrepreneurship is an important concept in both developing and developed societies today. Although there is no consensus on the definition of entrepreneurship, it is believed to be a process of creating value by bringing together a unique package of resources to exploit entrepreneurship opportunities (Morris, 2002). This study aims to discover the economic contributions and challenges of immigrant entrepreneurs to their host country, and focuses on African small business owners in Auckland, New Zealand. Literature on immigrant entrepreneurship was reviewed, resulting in a discussion of the economic contributions of immigrant entrepreneurship as well as its challenges. Data was collected using face-to-face, semi-structured interviews, observation and field notes as the sources of inquiry. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 17 participants. All participants were African immigrant small business owners running businesses in Auckland. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data collected (Braun & Clarke, 2006). 

Small Business Stories: Surviving and Thriving Amidst the Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamie McCall ◽  
Khaliid Scott ◽  
Urmi Bhatt
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Small Business ◽  
Business Owners ◽  
Business Community ◽  
Small Business Owners ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Entrepreneurial Spirit ◽  
Aid Programs

The COVID-19 pandemic will leave an enduring mark on North Carolina’s small business community. Using a phenomenological framework, we conducted a series of in-depth semi-structured interviews with small business owners about how they addressed the pandemic’s challenges. Four central themes emerged that illustrate the complexity and nuance of small business resiliency. Our data suggest that to survive and thrive, entrepreneurs had to: (1) be adaptable and willing to pivot, (2) have an entrepreneurial spirit, (3) leverage their social capital, and (4) have the knowledge and ability to apply for aid programs.

EXPLORING THE SURVIVAL STRATEGIES FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERSHIP IN NIGERIA

2016 ◽  
Vol 05 (07) ◽  
pp. 35-48
Author(s):  
Nana Shaibu Akaeze ◽  
Christian Akaeze
Keyword(s):  
Data Analysis ◽  
Small Business ◽  
Survival Data ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Business Owners ◽  
Survival Strategies ◽  
Theory Of Constraints ◽  
Small Business Owners ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Business Programs

Notwithstanding the unstable nature of Nigeria economy small business owners created approximately 32 million jobs and contribute almost 45% to the nations GDP. However, startup small businesses fail at rate over 80% the first five years. Guide by theory of constraints, the purpose of this qualitative multiple-case study was to explore survival strategies required by some small business owners to sustain business in Nigeria beyond 5 years. Data collection was through semi-structured interviews with 3 owners with up to 5 years of experience in small business management from 3 different regions of Nigeria. The 3 major themes from final data analysis were cost efficiency, informal crediting and aggressive marketing which participants said were crucial for business survival. Data analysis also revealed two critical constraints confronted by small business owners as Government Policy and capital constraints. Findings of this study contribute to social change by indicating some strategies which prospective and existing small business practitioners may use to sustain for survival beyond first five years. The findings may prove useful for small business programs and training schedules to practitioners, managers and owners.

scholarly journals Micro & Small Enterprises in Ireland: A Brand Management Perspective

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 381
Author(s):  
Bobby Kennedy ◽  
Angela Wright
Keyword(s):  
Small Business ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Brand Management ◽  
Business Owners ◽  
Product Line ◽  
Small Business Owners ◽  
Small Enterprises ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Brand Development ◽  
Management Perspective

<p class="ber"><span lang="EN-GB">Branding aids companies in the acquisition of new customers, allows them to build a favourable reputation, leads to increased customer loyalty and, ultimately, is a driver of profitability. Although there is an impressive quantity of academic literature related to both large corporate and product line branding, there has been less focus regarding the research on branding of small businesses, despite their economic importance. </span></p><p class="ber"><span lang="EN-GB">In the specific case of SMEs in Ireland, branding studies are scant. There is little understanding of the branding practices of SME founder-owners in Ireland, and, moreover, a lack of clarity as to their knowledge levels apropos the strategic brand management process. Essentially, many small business owners may not even realise that their business is a brand, partly due to a lack of understanding of what the concepts of a brand and branding actually mean. This paper presents findings from research associated with the brand development practices of Irish micro and small enterprises. A <span>qualitative data collection tool, leveraging semi-structured interviews is employed to collect substantive and relevant data from </span>10 Irish micro and small business owners. The study extends the knowledge of the brand development process being undertaken by these companies. </span></p><p class="ber"><span lang="EN-GB">The findings in this study reveal an unfavourable picture in terms of branding practices in Irish SME’s and demonstrates a lack of understanding and devotion on behalf of founder-owners towards the process. These conclusions have direct implications for branding literature, specifically in relation to Irish and international SMEs and also for managerial practice within those organisations. </span></p>

scholarly journals The Finance Aspects of Building a Small Business in Kurdistan Region-Iraq: A Comparison with Sweden

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Светлана Муртузалиева ◽  
Svetlana Murtuzalieva
Keyword(s):  
Small Business ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Business Owners ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Small Business Owners ◽  
Analytical Strategy ◽  
Managerial Skills ◽  
Start Up ◽  
Private Banks

The study aimed to identify the finance aspects that are associated with starting and running small business enterprise in Kurdistan, in comparison with Swedish small business enterprises. In caring out the study, a qualitative research method was used. The most important method data was sourced by primary data using interviews, utilizing a questionnaire. The researchers also used purposive sampling technique to select some of the top ranking personnel in Sherko Engineering Group, Jamal Company, Tanyayi Café, Cafe Clarintte, Café Master and Marianne Bageri. The analytical strategy used was in relying on theoretical propositions. On the basis of the analysis of data collected during the interview, the study revealed that small business owners in developing countries such Kurdistan face many problems when compared with developed countries like Sweden. The finance problems facing Kurdish small business owners are ranked as follows: lack of finance in starting and developing business, non use of accounting and finance Standards, having few sources of finance and private banks, inability in determining money need and start up costs, lake of a factor for distinguishing between personal and business money, poor infrastructures, inappropriate legislation, lack of managerial skills in managing money; further problems are corruption and inflation. Small business owners in Sweden are face with the problems of high increase of work absentee due to cases of sicknesses by personnel and the effect of the weather on business. Also they face very few the problems that Kurdish small business has related finance aspects when establishing and managing the business, they have support of government completely.

scholarly journals Regional small businesses’ personal and inter-firm networks

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (12) ◽  
pp. 1957-1969 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jalleh Sharafizad ◽  
Kerry Brown
Keyword(s):  
Small Business ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Business Owners ◽  
Personal Networks ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Small Business Owners ◽  
Business Networks ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Firm Networks

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of personal and inter-firm networks and the elements that contribute to the formation and management of these networks for regional small businesses. Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 small business owners located in regional areas. Findings The findings highlight key characteristics of regional small business owners’ networks. Findings indicated that participants relied strongly on their personal networks for business purposes. This study shows that while personal networks adapted and changed into informal inter-firm networks, weak-tie relations within inter-firm networks were unlikely to develop into close personal networks. Novel findings also include a preference for “regional interactions” and included regular collaboration with local business competitors. Although the participants used social media to manage their business through personal networks, results confirmed there was a lack of awareness of the benefits of inter-firm networks with businesses outside the local region. Originality/value While it is acknowledged small business owners use personal and inter-firm connections to maintain and grow their business, there is a lack of research examining both of these networks in the same study. This research addresses this gap and presents five propositions as a useful direction for future research. This paper adds to the evolution of existing knowledge by expanding understanding of the formation of business networks and conditions of business trust relations within a regional context.

scholarly journals Small Business Startup Funding for Youth Employment in Nigeria

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 35
Author(s):  
Dr. Nana A. Akaeze ◽  
Dr. Christian O. Akaeze
Keyword(s):  
Small Business ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Business Owners ◽  
Social Progress ◽  
Support Programs ◽  
Small Business Owners ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Youth Leaders ◽  
Business Startup ◽  
Unemployed Youth

<em>Jobs are generated by initiating and growing small businesses within underdeveloped economies. Unemployment among youths is a critical problem confronting Nigeria (Nwogwugwu &amp; Irechukwu, 2015). Unemployment leads to less growth and a drop-in consumer spending. Increased unemployment generates lowered business output. Unemployment results in welfare loss from lowered output, income, and wellbeing which hinder social progress of nations. Nevertheless, unemployed youths with small business initiatives experience financial constraints and lack access to startup capitals. The purpose of this study was to explore experiences of some owners who succeeded despite lack of access to formal and informal sources of initial capitals. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with 15 small business owners in Lagos who started as unemployed youths. We purposefully selected participants, used thematic for data analysis, NVivo 10 software for coding and interpretation. Findings revealed 3 critical challenges to access initial capitals for startups by unemployed youths including: (a) inability to provide collaterals, (b) Reliance on insufficient private finance and short term overdrafts, and (c) bureaucracy. Result may become basis for future interventions and support programs. Authorities and youth leaders could use information for trainings and support programs to help unemployed youth access startup capitals for small business.</em>

EVIDENCE FROM THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON SMALL BUSINESS

2021 ◽  
Vol 14(63) (1) ◽  
pp. 103-110
Author(s):  
Nicoleta Gianina BOSTAN MOTOAŞCĂ
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Small Business ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Emotional State ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Business Owners ◽  
Small Business Owners ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
The Impact

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected both individuals and the business environment in a profound and unexpected way. The restrictions imposed and the economic crises caused by them have led to the closure of some businesses, especially small businesses. The present research aims to study the opinions, perceptions, behaviour, and attitude of administrators, of small-business owners towards the impact of the pandemic in order to outline their emotional state and the sample of future needs. The qualitative study illustrates the combined analysis of the results of the answers of sixteen structured interviews, in-depth phone interviews. This research could represent the starting point of a more extensive research in this field

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document