Abstract
The purpose of this study is to explore and identify possible barriers and challenges experienced by migrant African women entrepreneurs in the establishment and operation of their businesses in North Queensland. The study adopts a qualitative approach and employs in-depth, semi-structured interviews and site visits to participants businesses. Findings revealed that cultural factors, family, human capital, social capital and networks, and institutional factors potentially acted as barriers to the establishment and operation and of their businesses. This is a small-scale pilot study. The data was gathered from eleven migrant African women only, in a specific region, so the results are limited in applicability and cannot be assumed to apply to other cultures. The context of the research might not be considered a representative of Australia. This study provides empirical data regarding the barriers and challenges encountered by migrant women entrepreneurs and contributes to a new body of knowledge, providing a foundation for further research in this area. The study also serves to inform policymakers.
Highlights
The issue of migrant entrepreneurship is important to consumers as well as entrepreneurs in general
Australia has a long history of migrant entrepreneurship, with many ethnic groups involved in small business sectors of the Australian economy (Collins, 2003)
My study suggests that MAWEs who are married to non-indigenous Australians experienced a lower number of barriers and challenges in establishing and operating their businesses compared to single and those married to migrants
Summary
The issue of migrant entrepreneurship is important to consumers as well as entrepreneurs in general. Australia has a long history of migrant entrepreneurship, with many ethnic groups involved in small business sectors of the Australian economy (Collins, 2003). Entrepreneurship is fundamental to social integration, especially for migrants displaced from their home countries due to political, economic, and environmental factors. MAWEs represent a growing proportion of the self-employed, and many are opting for autonomy and the return on investment that business ownership promises (Halkias, 2011). My research interest derives from personal experience and concern for fellow migrant African women in Australia. The study investigates the barriers and challenges experienced by MAWEs in North Queensland in the operation of their businesses. The structured interviews focus on the experiences of migrant women who have been able to establish a business
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