Considerable research has examined the relationship between entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) and performance. ESE refers to the strength of the individuals' beliefs that they are capable of successfully performing the roles and tasks of entrepreneurs. Whereas prior ESE research has a non-Indigenous focus, this study addresses a gap in the literature by examining the relationship between ESE and perceived individual success in Indigenous nascent entrepreneurs. Whereas entrepreneurship from a non-Indigenous perspective is focused upon the commercialization of innovation and economic objectives, Indigenous entrepreneurship has both economic and non-economic objectives as desired outcomes. The research identified entrepreneurial experience-ESE and ESE-perceived individual success relationships. Education was inversely related to entrepreneurial experience.

This exploratory research aims to fill a gap in the literature. The current theory of entrepreneurial attitude toward opportunity recognition (EOR) is primarily based upon a non-indigenous entrepreneurship theory. Yet, there are significant differences between non-indigenous and indigenous forms of entrepreneurship. Non-indigenous entrepreneurship tends to emphasise economic objectives whereas indigenous entrepreneurship tends to embrace both economic and non-economic objectives. As such, the current EOR theory needs to be expanded to include both non-indigenous and indigenous similarities and differences. This research uses indigenous culture as a context for examining the relationships between personal values, EOR and expected personal success of nascent indigenous entrepreneurs.