This chapter examines entrepreneurship among people with disabilities (PWD), an often-overlooked dimension of inclusive economic development. It explores the multiple barriers faced by PWD in accessing entrepreneurship, including structural obstacles, attitudinal barriers, lack of funding, limited accessibility of training programs, and social stigma. Drawing on empirical data and field observations, the chapter highlights the specific needs of entrepreneurs with different types of disabilities, emphasizing the importance of individualized support and accessible infrastructure. The study proposes a framework for designing inclusive incubation and acceleration programs tailored to PWD, integrating elements such as adaptive training, personalized mentoring, accessible digital tools, and collaborative partnerships with ecosystem stakeholders. The analysis demonstrates that supporting PWD entrepreneurship has significant social and economic benefits: it fosters autonomy, creates employment opportunities, and contributes to poverty reduction and social cohesion. Finally, the chapter calls for greater collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and support organizations to co-create innovative solutions and influence public policy. It encourages the development of an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem that enables PWD to transform their entrepreneurial potential into sustainable business ventures, thus contributing to broader objectives of equity, diversity, and social justice.

错误:搜索内容不能为空,请输入英文关键词
错误:关键词超出字数限制,请精简
高级检索

Entrepreneurship of People with Disabilities: Challenges, Opportunities and Inclusive Support Models

  • Félix Zogning

摘要

This chapter examines entrepreneurship among people with disabilities (PWD), an often-overlooked dimension of inclusive economic development. It explores the multiple barriers faced by PWD in accessing entrepreneurship, including structural obstacles, attitudinal barriers, lack of funding, limited accessibility of training programs, and social stigma. Drawing on empirical data and field observations, the chapter highlights the specific needs of entrepreneurs with different types of disabilities, emphasizing the importance of individualized support and accessible infrastructure. The study proposes a framework for designing inclusive incubation and acceleration programs tailored to PWD, integrating elements such as adaptive training, personalized mentoring, accessible digital tools, and collaborative partnerships with ecosystem stakeholders. The analysis demonstrates that supporting PWD entrepreneurship has significant social and economic benefits: it fosters autonomy, creates employment opportunities, and contributes to poverty reduction and social cohesion. Finally, the chapter calls for greater collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and support organizations to co-create innovative solutions and influence public policy. It encourages the development of an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem that enables PWD to transform their entrepreneurial potential into sustainable business ventures, thus contributing to broader objectives of equity, diversity, and social justice.