The present work aims to know the motives of why Indigenous entrepreneurs start companies, as well as how the characteristics of these groups influence the motives for company creation and determine entrepreneurial behavior. Through qualitative research, using interviews from five Indigenous entrepreneurs in Mexico, and the comparative case studies, this research identifies the motivators and characteristics of Indigenous entrepreneurs, as well as community embeddedness as an element of core business, without which company creation could not happen. The results show that embeddedness, identity, comunalidad (communal way of life), and worldview contribute positively to entrepreneurial project achievements, which also impact the community itself. Recommendations for different economic and social agents, concerning supporting the sustainability of Indigenous communities, and the protection of their culture and historical legacies, are derived from this study.

The aim of this chapter is to offer an alternative to the emigration and marginalization currently experienced by indigenous Latin American communities by creating ecotourism ventures in their home territories. By fostering profitable and environmentally sustainable economic activities enabling them to remain in their settlements, it is possible to alleviate the problem of socio-economic marginalization which they currently face whilst helping conserve the environment and their ancient culture. Qualitative research has therefore been conducted by means of a multiple case study. This is an introductory work and the authors' preliminary findings highlight the importance not only of social networks in the creation of indigenous SMEs but also of the culture, values, uses and customs of such communities in the identification of the profile of the indigenous entrepreneur.

The aim of this chapter is to offer an alternative to the emigration and marginalization currently experienced by indigenous Latin American communities by creating ecotourism ventures in their home territories. By fostering profitable and environmentally sustainable economic activities enabling them to remain in their settlements, it is possible to alleviate the problem of socio-economic marginalization which they currently face whilst helping conserve the environment and their ancient culture. Qualitative research has therefore been conducted by means of a multiple case study. This is an introductory work and the authors' preliminary findings highlight the importance not only of social networks in the creation of indigenous SMEs but also of the culture, values, uses and customs of such communities in the identification of the profile of the indigenous entrepreneur.