Transmission of entrepreneurial spirit from first to second generation ethnic minorities in Montreal

Purpose – Very little research has been conducted on the specific topic of intergenerational transmission of the entrepreneurial spirit. The current study aims to elucidate the concept of entrepreneurial spirit. The purpose of this paper is to identify the main factors that influence sons and daughters of immigrant entrepreneurs in their decisions to take over from their parents or start new businesses. Design/methodology/approach – Semi‐directed interviews with the children of immigrants (aged 18 to 35) have been conducted in the area of Montreal. Their parents are or were entrepreneurs and the interviews focused on how interviewees perceive entrepreneurship. Findings – Ethno‐cultural background does not play a significant role in this transmission. Parents do not have a direct influence on the development of an entrepreneurial spirit among their offspring. Interviewees identify more with an “open culture” rather than with a specific ethnic identity. Research limitations/implications – The data must be subjected to other types of analysis and methodologies. Studies in other contexts must also be conducted in order to compare the findings. Practical implications – The paper raises the importance of working on opening existing institutions to these second generation entrepreneurs, rather than to favour the creation of specific institutions based on ethnic identity. Entrepreneurship empowerment among second‐generation immigrants should focus on new possibilities rather than on perpetuating traditional niches occupied by ethnic minority entrepreneurs. Originality/value – The paper focuses on the manner in which an entrepreneurial spirit is transmitted to the second generation. This study is grounded in the social processes that trigger business creation and the transmission of an entrepreneurial spirit among ethnic minority groups.