Personal and contextual factors influencing the entrepreneurial intentions of people with disabilities in Spain

Abstract

Entrepreneurship is a feasible option for people with disabilities as it allows room for flexibility. This study investigates the factors that influence the entrepreneurial intentions of people with disabilities in Spain. The data were obtained from nine focus groups, one interview, and seven questionnaires. The analysis was performed using NVivo software. The results showed that self-realisation, the search for autonomy, freedom, and independence are critical factors that affect the decision of people with disabilities to become entrepreneurs. The results also highlight the lack of business culture in Spain, the need for support from family and friends, and the necessity to create a network of contacts for people with disabilities to feel included. Education plays a key role in overcoming the differences with respect to people without disabilities. The findings also suggest that specific legislation or action plans are needed in Spain to promote entrepreneurship among people with disabilities.

Points of interest

• This study shows the personal and contextual factors that influence the entrepreneurial intentions of people with disabilities in Spain.

• Nine focus group discussions and one interview were conducted through Zoom, a video conferencing platform. This shows the role played by digital tools in the inclusion of people with disabilities.

• This research concludes that entrepreneurship makes people with disabilities feel free and independent and increase their self-fulfilment when they see their contribution to economic development.

• There is a lack of entrepreneurial culture in Spain, and institutions should undertake measures to promote not only the entrepreneurial spirit but also the full integration of people with disabilities.

• Such studies are important in order to boost entrepreneurship among people with disabilities.

Keywords:

• Entrepreneurial intention
• people with disabilities
• personal factors
• contextual factors
• entrepreneurship

Acknowledgements

We have to thank the Real Patronato sobre Discapacidad for believing in this project and la Fundación Once especially Mar Medeiros and Ana Belén Martínez, thank you for everything, we have no words to express our gratitude. Also, we would like to thank the two anonymous Reviewers and the Editor for their constructive and supportive comments that helped improved the quality of the paper

Additional information

Funding

This article was funded by Real Patronato sobre Discapacidad- Ministerio de Derechos Sociales y Agenda 2030.