The potential contribution and economic impact of ethnic entrepreneurs, especially the Chinese business owners, on Small and Medium Enterprises in Curaҫao
Abstract
Against a background of levels of business supports by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), this article analyzes ethnic businesses in Curaҫao to see what differences are pronounced across the various ethnic minority communities.
Aim of this research is to examine established ethnic entrepreneurs, especially Chinese business owners and so to identify barriers/challenges, as well as to examine current support offered by entities in Curaҫao. The research question for this research is: What is the potential contribution and economic impact of ethnic entrepreneurs, especially the Chinese business owners, in Small and Medium Enterprises in Curaҫao? To be able to answer this question, a mix of quantitative and qualitative research method had been used.
In total 100 respondents were collected, of which 50 were Chinese business owners and 50 of other ethnicities and three professionals of different government departments were interviewed. The instrument to record the answers of the participants was a questionnaire; it was made especially for ethnic entrepreneurs and provided directly to the participant.
Analyzing the secondary data of Central Bureau of Statistic (CBS) for this study shows that the Chinese entrepreneurs have a positive economic impact; there has been an enormous increase in the number of businesses and organizations established in the past 10 years. They are increasing in every industry sector in the Curaҫao’s economy and gaining more market shares in the Toko Minimarket, Restaurant and Laundry industry. One of the most important reasons for this increase found in this research is that the Chinese families in Curaҫao are very united.