Study of motivations, challenges, and support mechanisms for immigrant entrepreneurship : case of immigrant entrepreneurs in Finland
Kaluarachchige, Diana (2024)
Pro gradu -tutkielma
2024
School of Business and Management, Kauppatieteet
Kaikki oikeudet pidätetään.
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2024061250760
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2024061250760
Tiivistelmä
Purpose: This thesis aims to investigate the immigrant entrepreneurs’ motivations behind starting a business on their own, the problems experienced in their entrepreneurial journey, and the degree to which these immigrant entrepreneurs are aware of and make use of the country's available support systems.
Approach: In this thesis, qualitative research methodology was applied. This thesis uses a multiple case study research design. Ten semi-structured interviews with immigrant entrepreneurs from various Finnish cities and fields were done by the researcher. The researcher used thematic analysis to understand the conclusions drawn from the gathered data.
Research Questions: Three main research questions are: What motivates immigrant entrepreneurs to be involved in entrepreneurial activities? What specific challenges do they encounter? To what extent are immigrant entrepreneurs aware of existing support mechanisms in their entrepreneurial endeavours?
Findings: According to the study, both push and pull factors encourage and drive immigrant entrepreneurs to start their own businesses. Lack of job opportunities. unemployment and the associated risks, dissatisfaction with their blue-collar jobs, education utilization, passion, dream, and ambition to become an entrepreneur, need for autonomy and independence, financial gain, previous entrepreneurial experience and education, support from family and friends, market opportunity and determination have been identified as motivation factors. Difficulties they encounter are language barriers, lack of network and trust, lack of capital and credit line, unexpected events, rules and regulations, competition, lack of affordable and professional workforce, and lack of knowledge in social media marketing. The majority of the time, their own social capital serves as the foundation for their business. Most of them have not utilized and are unaware of the support networks offered by the Finnish government or various institutions.
Approach: In this thesis, qualitative research methodology was applied. This thesis uses a multiple case study research design. Ten semi-structured interviews with immigrant entrepreneurs from various Finnish cities and fields were done by the researcher. The researcher used thematic analysis to understand the conclusions drawn from the gathered data.
Research Questions: Three main research questions are: What motivates immigrant entrepreneurs to be involved in entrepreneurial activities? What specific challenges do they encounter? To what extent are immigrant entrepreneurs aware of existing support mechanisms in their entrepreneurial endeavours?
Findings: According to the study, both push and pull factors encourage and drive immigrant entrepreneurs to start their own businesses. Lack of job opportunities. unemployment and the associated risks, dissatisfaction with their blue-collar jobs, education utilization, passion, dream, and ambition to become an entrepreneur, need for autonomy and independence, financial gain, previous entrepreneurial experience and education, support from family and friends, market opportunity and determination have been identified as motivation factors. Difficulties they encounter are language barriers, lack of network and trust, lack of capital and credit line, unexpected events, rules and regulations, competition, lack of affordable and professional workforce, and lack of knowledge in social media marketing. The majority of the time, their own social capital serves as the foundation for their business. Most of them have not utilized and are unaware of the support networks offered by the Finnish government or various institutions.