An Exploration of the First Nations Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: A Multiple-Case Study of Canadian First Nation Entrepreneurial Support Organizations and their Role in First Nations Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship serves as a central channel to increase economic activity and express self-determination. However, First Nations entrepreneurship has remained stagnant and well below the national average since 2001. One of the main barriers to First Nations entrepreneurship is access to capital and continued financial and non-financial support. The long-lasting and persisting complexities of the Indian Act and settler-colonialism exacerbate these barriers. Barriers remain despite a plethora of support services offered by First Nations Entrepreneurial Support Organizations (FNESOs). However, First Nations entrepreneurs rarely utilize these services. This study explores why there is an underutilization of FNESO services and supports through information gathering utilizing qualitative semi-structured interviews drawing on 22 participants located across Canada, including FNESO employees and First Nations entrepreneurs. The results are presented via three case studies. This study employs reflexive thematic analysis to identify key themes through the lens of entrepreneurial ecosystem theory and conduct a cross-case analysis of the enabling and constraining factors of First Nations entrepreneurship. The case studies reveal key domains enabling and constraining First Nations entrepreneurship, finance, culture, and support top the list in impacting this form of entrepreneurial support in Canada. A focus on strengthening support of these three elements could, quite possibly, contribute to more FNESOs mobilizing support, therefore strengthening the broader First Nations entrepreneurial support ecosystem.

Author dc:creator

• Brooks, Natasha

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Schneider, Bettina

• Faculty of management

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Identifier URI

https://doi.org/10.25316/ir-19779

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:null:10613/28166