The Hidden Entrepreneurs : Disability and Entrepreneurship in Kazakhstan

While research and information on policy support for EWD in Kazakhstan is limited in terms of the information available on the initiatives and the economic and social impact of such support programmes, the information provided in this chapter and the narratives of Kazakh entrepreneurs with disabilities show a clear recognition in Kazakhstan of the potential for entrepreneurship among PWD. Kazakhstan’s government has initiated and implemented several policies to support entrepreneurial activity among PWD, but gaps in the scope of the support provided to EWD remain. Being a PWD or an EWD in Kazakhstan still means significant hardship in terms of physical infrastructure, access to education, training, finance, and other social and psychological barriers. Although some support is available, comparatively few people use it, and funding for EWD relies largely on negotiating separate agreements with banks for charitable contributions. EWD would benefit if publicly funded information services and support, online and offline, are made more accessible and visible. In addition, a strengthened set of entrepreneurship support initiatives should be considered for PWD. Furthermore, loan financing is offered to this group of entrepreneurs, although they are likely to face difficulty in accessing formal financing channels. Financial institutions should support PWD initiatives that promote sustainable social inclusiveness and entrepreneurship through affordable credit. Attention should also be paid to ensuring that potential EWD get access to mainstream entrepreneurship support. In addition, a range of dedicated mentoring and training services could be developed for EWD, and sensitivity training could be provided to staff on how to adapt mainstream business advisory and other services to serve the specific needs of EWD. Finally, there is a need to improve institutions’ capabilities with respect to entrepreneurship, disability, and inclusion to motivate and inspire PWD to choose an entrepreneurial career