BARRIERS AND CHALLENGES EXPERIENCED BY MIGRANT AFRICAN WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN NORTH QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA

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.