Creating a new environmental business: Early struggles and the creation of a self-sustaining entity

Abstract

This phenomenological research is an exploration of the initial years of the new venture creation process of environmental entrepreneurs. The objective of this research was to explore the retrospective understanding of these scientists-turnedentrepreneurs as they experienced the transition from scientist to businessperson and employee to entrepreneur. Twenty environmental entrepreneurs answered the research question: What is their retrospective assessment of the early struggles and lived experiences leading to firm establishment as they engaged in the new venture creation process? This study determined that the experience of starting a new venture is distinct from the establishment of self-sustaining new venture. Each experience displays a discrete essence as the scientist navigates the new venture creation process.