Challenges and Opportunities Faced by Immigrant Entrepreneurs in Kamloops, BC: An Empirical Investigation of Small and Medium Enterprises

Abstract

Immigrant entrepreneurs (IEs) provide employment and help narrow down the unemployment gap in the host country. Furthermore, they have helped to increase the quality and quantity of goods and services, leading to diversification of culture and a rise in consumption patterns. This study aimed to investigate the challenges and opportunities encountered by immigrant businesses in Kamloops, Canada, through semi-structured interviews with four participants. The study used human capital theory, social capital theory, economic capital theory, and push and pull factors to analyze the data. The findings of the study revealed that immigrant entrepreneurs face various challenges in Kamloops, including discrimination, lack of access to capital and resources, language barriers, and lack of business knowledge and experience. However, the study also showed that immigrant entrepreneurs in Kamloops possess a strong work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit, and determination to succeed, which have enabled them to overcome some of these challenges and contribute to the local economy.