Challenges Faced by Green Entrepreneurs During Turbulent Times: Evidence from Zimbabwean SMEs

Recently, green entrepreneurship is increasingly gaining momentum in entrepreneurship scholarship in an attempt to promote pro-environmental behavior in the business world. The paradigm shift toward a green economy is necessitated by social and economic benefits emanating from the green economy. There is a dire need for the business world to support pro-environmental business practices as advocated for by some of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With this in mind, many governments are now trying their level best to implement various programs designed to promote pro-environmental behavior among business owners. Therefore, green entrepreneurship is considered to be the major driver of a green economy. Nevertheless, little is known about the challenges impeding the entrepreneurial success of green entrepreneurs in developing countries, particularly in Zimbabwe. Keeping this in mind, this study aims to establish the challenges faced by green entrepreneurs. This exploratory study is based on interviews with 12 green entrepreneurs from Gweru district, Zimbabwe. The results reveal six challenges, that is, expensive green technology, insufficient media attention, stiff competition, lack of funding, lack of supportive policies, and lack of qualified personnel. Therefore, the study recommends that the policymakers, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and financial institutions support green entrepreneurs in dealing with these acute challenges.