At present, I am actively engaged in many different projects, each of which has valuable insights into broader societal and economic contexts. While my primary focus is not exclusively on immigrant entrepreneurs at this moment, however, my work intersects closely with themes such as (micro)entrepreneurship connected with sustainable energy solutions, green transition, digital innovation, gender inclusion, and global entrepreneurial trends. Each of these initiatives has its own specific goals, target groups, and implementation ecosystems. Yet, they are attached by a common and deeply rooted goal: to empower individuals and communities by strengthening their entrepreneurial capacity and creating inclusive pathways for sustainable development and economic strength.
Some of the most impactful projects I’ve contributed to include the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), which provided valuable data-driven insights into the entrepreneurial landscape. ARVO is an initiative to create added value from sustainable energy businesses. Another project aims to ensure that green transition investments are integrated into regional business ecosystems. All those projects, in a way generates added value and fosters new growth-oriented business activities especially in the context of regional development and programs focused on entrepreneurship in the era of green transition, highlighting the role of SMEs and startups in fostering sustainable innovation. Each of these efforts has not only broadened my professional competencies but also deepened my commitment to building inclusive, responsible, and future-ready entrepreneurial ecosystems.
These experiences have taught me the importance of context-sensitive approaches, cross-sector collaboration, connected with many other aspects, to unlock the full potential of entrepreneurship as a catalyst for societal transformation.
Context matters deeply in empowering communities for sustainable entrepreneurship, since there is no simple solution; what works in one setting may not translate to another. Cultural, linguistic, legal, and economic contexts profoundly influence how individuals engage with entrepreneurial opportunities and navigate challenges. Community needs to know how to support local businesses and why.
Empowering communities for supporting entrepreneurship is more than training skills. Fostering agencies, building confidence, and creating a support network need emotional intelligence through community-based mentorships. When diverse actors work together, it creates stronger, cohesive, and sustainable support ecosystems. And underrepresented voices get genuine reasons to start participating and gain visibility.
(micro) Entrepreneurs largely navigate uncertainty. Adapting to new markets and overcoming discrimination are essential in today’s fast-changing world. We need policies to empower the community for building the resilience capacity of individual (micro)entrepreneurs.
Micro-entrepreneurship can lead to powerful ripple effects in sparsely populated regions like the Arctic, particularly when it involves underrepresented groups. A single successful entrepreneur often inspires others in their community and contributes to local resilience.
Author: Nafisa Yeasmin, Master of Laws, Doctor of Social Sciences, and Associate Professor (docent) of Sociology of Immigration, University of Oulu Kerttu Saalasti Institute, Micro-entrepreneurship Centre MicroENTRE®
Photo: Minna Kilpeläinen
In Kerttu Saalasti Institute's blog we write about the topics of the Institute's research groups, micro entrepreneurship education and the Institute's general topics. The authors are researchers, experts and members of networks.
Our topics are: micro entrenepreneurship, future manufacturing technologies, regional excellence, micro entrepreneurship education