Engaged scholarship: addressing regional inequalities in innovation opportunities for BAME and disabled entrepreneurs

Two studies conducted by CIMR researchers on regional inequalities in support for entrepreneurs with disabilities and from ethnically diverse backgrounds have helped to aid understanding of the importance of context for entrepreneurial support for both groups. The first study was funded by the Regional Studies Association (2020-2021). The second was supported by an Impact Grant from Birkbeck’s School of Business, Economics and Informatics (BEI) (2021). We found wonderful examples of best practice in the formal support networks which provide a wide range of services supporting their beneficiaries’ personal and professional development, including their entrepreneurial skills. Some distinctive features of the networks included mentorship schemes, integration services and mental health support tailored to the needs of the target group. The main challenges for the networks identified were access to finance and disabled participants’ access to support services