Migrant retail entrepreneurs: A Resource-Based approach.

Entrepreneurial competences are the principal determinants of economic success and ensure the survival of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). In the Italian context, SMEs represent a pillar of the economy and contribute to the socio-economic growth of the country. Considering the current international scenario, characterized by growing migratory flows, it is assuming greater importance the figure of the migrant entrepreneur, referred to business activities owned and managed by migrants with specific socio-cultural background or country of origin. Moreover, since entrepreneurial capabilities differ across countries, it is of primary interest to investigate the impact that culture has on entrepreneurial competences. This thesis presents a study of entrepreneurs originating in the Maghreb area, operating in the retail market in the Province of Modena. The concept of the migrant entrepreneur is analysed using a resource-based approach, were resources and competences are the principal determinants of business success. Data are collected using a qualitative methodology based on the provision of semi-structured interviews to a sample of immigrant retail entrepreneurs operating in the Province of Modena.