A study of support service requirements for immigrant entrepreneurs in Finland : a dual perspective from immigrant entrepreneur and entrepreneurial support organizations

Abstract

This study explores the support service requirements of immigrant entrepreneurs in Finland from the perspectives of immigrant entrepreneurs and Entrepreneurial Support Organizations (ESOs). Primary data was collected through seven semi-structured interviews, including four immigrant entrepreneurs from different ethnicities and 3 representatives from reputable ESOs across 3 regions in Finland. The study findings reveal consensus between immigrant entrepreneurs and ESO representatives on several key support needs of immigrant entrepreneurs, in familiarizing with bureaucratic processes, accessing financial resources, building social capital through networking, and obtaining licenses and permits required for business in languages other than Finnish. Moreover, Immigrant entrepreneurs emphasized the language barrier as a significant challenge that impedes their access to valuable resources in the host country. They stressed the need for support to make these resources accessible in languages other than Finnish. Furthermore, ESO representatives acknowledged that immigrant entrepreneurs need support in understanding and adapting to their target markets, which is challenging due to their limited knowledge of Finnish culture and consumer behavior. The study identified several suggestions for enhancing the effectiveness of ESO support services in Finland, including conducting awareness-raising initiatives about their services, incorporating experienced immigrant entrepreneurs into ESO consulting teams, and establishing open spaces for collaboration between local and immigrant entrepreneurs. Practical implications of the study include the development of tailored support programs to address the specific challenges faced by immigrant entrepreneurs, improved accessibility to resources, and informed policymaking.