Immigrant entrepreneurship challenges and opportunities: Case study of Turkish immigrant entrepreneurs in Canada

Previous studies have explained that immigrants have made significant contributions to the economic and social change in Canada. Although waves of Turkish migration to Canada have started since the 1950s, very few studies exist about them, and there is inadequate knowledge about their business activities. The purpose of this case study was to investigate the challenges that encountered Turkish immigrants in Canada and to identify their opportunities within entrepreneurship. Also, it attempts to determine their business characteristics. A quantitative approach based on a questionnaire survey was employed and then analyzed by applying a descriptive statistical analysis. The findings indicate that, first, Turkish entrepreneur under the Business Program category have faced quite similar challenges with those who migrated by other categories. High operational costs considered as the main challenge, while discrimination was the least ranked. Second, Turkish entrepreneurs do not very much depend on their co-ethnic resources. It seems like they are more individualistic, and they find numerous opportunities within the other communities. Third, Turkish entrepreneurs are optimistic about their future of doing business in Canada. In addition, Turkish entrepreneurship in Canada can be considered as micro-business with less than 4 employees per business. A higher percentage of their businesses were in food and beverage industry and located in Toronto.