Young Minority Entrepreneurs: Personal Traits and Environmental Constraints

In recent years, the number of new entrepreneurs has been growing particularly among young people and minorities. The young minority entrepreneur is a distinct sub-set within the category of young entrepreneurs because he faces additional social and cultural barriers, limited economic and resource access and availability, discrimination and even outright racism not experienced by mainstream entrepreneurs. In this review, we have found it necessary to distinguish between two groups of minorities: the ‘immigrant minority’ and the ‘local ethnic minority’ who might or might not be a numerical minority but who live under the constraints of a ruling hegemony, a distinction which has profound consequences on entrepreneurial activity. To provide an overview of the updated understanding of the young minority entrepreneur as well as to refine some critiques. This article is based on a review of nearly one hundred academic papers, reports, and books in the field. Entrepreneurship can be the result either of a free positive choice or a necessary escape strategy of survival for those who have no option of salaried work opportunities. It brings into play personal traits, education and environmental support or constraints.