Entrepreneurial species: influences of business and social contexts on indigenous and non-indigenous types

Abstract

Research into the entrepreneurial species, indigenous and non-indigenous types from both rural and urban regions in the UK has been sparse, to say the least. This paper presents insights into how both rural and urban socioeconomic environments influence the emergence of specific types of entrepreneur. The authors found that 2nd generation urban ethnic entrepreneurs tend to resist ethnic enclave economies whilst incoming rural entrepreneurs are what can be termed ‘lifestyle entrepreneurs’. A number of issues that affect the species were uncovered including socio-cultural influences in the use of networks, attitudes towards customer and stakeholder relationship and approach/access to business support services. Implications of this research include identification of a requirement for bespoke business support services that can adapt to the needs of nascent entrepreneurs in different environments.