Ethnic entrepreneurial processes in Australia - a networking perspective

Several studies, mostly from the US, Canada and UK have focused on ethnic entrepreneurs and analysed co-ethnic network functions The present paper complements those researches by focusing on ethnic entrepreneurs in Melbourne, Australia. A significant finding was that, in co-ethnic networking, only family members and close friends were called upon to support ethnic business owners by providing information, emotional succour, financial supports, as well as offering advice on business plans. Ethnic entrepreneurs’ involvement in the co-ethnic community was low. Further, only about one-third frequently engaged with other business persons of all networks. Another was that co-ethnic, multi-ethnic and Australian networks in Melbourne were underutilised by ethnic entrepreneurs in sustaining and growing their businesses. Additional benefits from networking are identified