University Involvement in Supporting Entrepreneurship of People with Disabilities

Promoting entrepreneurship among people with disabilities is critical to the development of both long-term strategies for their employment and a diverse, inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. To achieve this, universities increasingly play significant roles in creating a disability-inclusive entrepreneurial environment through specific educational approaches, specialized training, mentorship programs, and collaboration with key stakeholders. Inspired by the theoretical Entrepreneurial Education for Persons with Disabilities framework, we investigate the ways in which universities could foster entrepreneurship among people with disabilities: both students with disabilities who are considering entrepreneurial careers, and current entrepreneurs with disabilities who are seeking advancement in their competencies. To this end, we explore current initiatives and support systems in various examples, primarily from European universities, that can facilitate such entrepreneurial pursuits. This chapter provides useful examples and insights for educators and policy makers regarding the possible effects of university engagement in fostering entrepreneurship among people with disabilities, developing inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems in Europe and elsewhere, and thereby achieving sustainable economic growth and social justice globally encouraged by UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8. The insights we provide also support implementation of SDG 4, inclusive education for all, and its Targets 4.4 and 4.5, which address youth and adult skills for employment and entrepreneurship, and equal assessments across all levels of education, including vocational training.