Indigenous entrepreneurship: Insights from Chile and New Zealand

Indigenous entrepreneurship promotes economic prosperity in both Indigenous and mainstream societies. There is a paucity of comparative studies of Indigenous entrepreneurship in the Pacific Rim, particularly studies spanning the Western and Eastern hemispheres. This study of Indigenous entrepreneurship in Chile and New Zealand explores the impact of national political and economic contexts on Indigenous entrepreneurial conduct and business models. Chile represents challenging and turbulent political and economic environments, as highlighted by the recent protests. New Zealand, however, maintains political stability and economic prosperity, providing a model that South American countries may want to explore. We recommend that Indigenous entrepreneurs pursue a broader range of business models while drawing advantages from Indigenous culture. Further, policy makers in Chile should ensure that the benefits of economic and political development are available as early as practicable to Indigenous entrepreneurs.