Entrepreneurs with Disabilities in Bangladesh: An Exploratory Study on Their Entrepreneurial Motivation and Challenges

Abstract

Bangladesh is experiencing a steady economic and per capita growth over the past few years and entrepreneurial opportunities are also increasing. However, entrepreneurs with disabilities are yet to join the mainstream economy and there is hardly any information available on them. In this paper, the motivational factors that drive the entrepreneurial endeavors of entrepreneurs with disabilities and the challenges they face are explored. The researchers collected data through in-depth interviews (IDI), mini group discussions (MGD) and observation. This is an exploratory study involving 40 entrepreneurs with disabilities collected through snowball sampling technique. Apart from the 40 EWDs, 8 expert interviews and 4 mini group discussions were also conducted to gain a deeper understanding of the motivations and challenges. Findings indicate that for entrepreneurs with disabilities in Bangladesh, social inclusion and acceptance, economic empowerment, breaking the social and family barrier and lack of job opportunity in the traditional workforce are the key motivational drivers for embracing entrepreneurship. The entrepreneurial challenges include personal, environmental, financial, operational, infrastructural and informational constraints. The paper also suggests a strategic framework for overcoming the challenges faced by entrepreneurs with disabilities in Bangladesh.

Keywords: Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurial challenge, Entrepreneurial motivation, Entrepreneurs with disabilities (EWD), Persons with disabilities (PWD), Bangladesh