Programming for Immigrant Women in Canada: Is Entrepreneurship Neglected?

Abstract

This study examines the demand and supply dynamics of entrepreneurship support services for new immigrant women in the Toronto Census Metropolitan Area (CMA), Ontario, Canada. Empirical evidence presented in this study reveals significant unmet needs for entrepreneurship support services. Major reasons for the inability of settlement agencies to meet the entrepreneurship needs of new immigrants include prioritization of other support services and lack of funding. The study identifies unfamiliarity with the Canadian environment, discrimination, business regulations that are difficult to satisfy, and unlikely tendencies of the immigrants to ask for support as some of the key challenges to entrepreneurship among immigrant women. However, these challenges may be ameliorated with enhanced entrepreneurship and language training, information awareness campaigns and more funding, among other factors. The findings have practical implications for accountable governments and non‐governmental organizations as they design and/or redesign immigration and settlement policies to facilitate integration of new immigrants.

Insights on the glass ceiling for immigrant women entrepreneurs in the technology sector

“…Fourth, future studies should not limit themselves to identifying barriers alone but expand the investigation to observe how the literature fails to recognize society's critical role. Some studies list barriers, such as personal struggles in balancing work and family responsibilities, which indicate how factors arising from society or the culture could influence immigrant WEs (Kalu and Okafor, 2020).…”

“…For instance, immigrant WEs can take advantage of their ethnic community in their host country and start their venture. As highlighted in past research, immigrant entrepreneurs from specific ethnic groups try to locate themselves near their community and build their business (Collins and Low, 2010;Azmat, 2013;Chreim et al, 2018 policies by the host country government can also play a crucial role in getting the necessary kick-start (Kalu and Okafor, 2020). Also, lately, policies asking companies to include women as board members are helping create more role models worldwide.…”

“…Fourth, future studies should not limit themselves to identifying barriers alone but expand the investigation to observe how the literature fails to recognize society's critical role. Some studies list barriers, such as personal struggles in balancing work and family responsibilities, which indicate how factors arising from society or the culture could influence immigrant WEs (Kalu and Okafor, 2020). Taking the present study forward, researchers should examine how the three levels of barriers (individual, firm and institutional) could affect the possible solutions and actions (education/mentoring/support, organizational/management, institutional/policymaking).…”

“…Another common strategy used by immigrant WEs is tapping into government support programs (Yeganehfar et al, 2018;Xie et al, 2018;Kalu and Okafor, 2020). Flexible government policies and regulations benefit WEs in funding or obtaining access to resources and networks or necessary entrepreneurial education (Yeganehfar et al, 2018;Kalu and Okafor, 2020).…”

“…Overall, the position of immigrant women in the labor force can be understood as reflecting the combined impact of sex and birthplace or the "double negative" effect. (1984, p. 10) Immigrants are classified as individuals born outside the host country (Kalu and Okafor, 2020;Haseki et al, 2020). The UN (2019) reports that there are 272 million international migrants worldwide, with an increase of almost 100 million from 2010 to 2019.…”