Title: Minority ethnic businesses – so are we really saying that one size fits all?

Authors: Richard Bent, Claire Seaman, Mauricio Silva

Addresses: Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh EH12 8TS, UK. ' Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh EH12 8TS, UK. ' Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh EH12 8TS, UK

Abstract: A model will be introduced to illustrate the synthesis of the issues raised and allow a pedagogical approach to be considered for future business intervention. It is widely recognised that SME success is a key factor to the health of the UK economy, yet the efficacy of business support and development is questioned by all sides. This work suggests the urgent need to identify |real needs|, effective business support and improved approaches for knowledge transfer. The paper is also designed to stimulate debate and question some of the existing methods, processes and views that are utilised in business support. It is hoped that by developing a better understanding of the needs and dynamics of both the minority and the wider SME market in general, a better use of support and (often limited) resources can be made. If business support is improved, then it is envisaged that this would cascade outwards and provide long-term social, community, entrepreneurial and economic benefits towards a |healthier| nation.

Keywords: ethnicity; minority ethnic businesses; small business; knowledge transfer; business intervention; UK SMEs; small and medium-sized enterprises; United Kingdom; business support; entrepreneurship.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESB.2010.030620

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2010 Vol.9 No.2, pp.193 - 200

Published online: 27 Dec 2009 *

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