An educational program affirming immigrant entrepreneurship, critical consciousness, and cultural strengths

Abstract

This study reports on the experiences of immigrants in a culturally responsive community entrepreneurship program named Poder. Immigrants make up a sizable proportion of the workforce and contribute to the US economy by creating jobs through entrepreneurship endeavors. However, research about culturally responsive programs for the immigrant community to assist in exploring entrepreneurship opportunities is lacking. The consensual qualitative research (CQR) method was implemented to analyze the interviews of 11 immigrant students, who participated in the 5-week program at a community college. Analyses revealed that students engaged in critical consciousness regarding barriers to entrepreneurship, educational values and barriers, achievement values, and the unique experience of immigrant entrepreneurs. Students addressed cultural advantages to reduce barriers during the program by engaging supports, family, technology, and community as resources. These strategies may be helpful to scholars, educators, and practitioners seeking to support immigrants in pursuing community entrepreneurship as educational and career pathways.