Research Symposium

BIO

Jasziel Pagan is a sophomore pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Originally from Kissimmee, Florida, he is a first-generation college student from a low-income community whose experiences have shaped his academic interests. His current research explores how different forms of adversity, such as poverty, can influence entrepreneurial pathways and opportunities. Jasziel is also passionate about leadership styles in business environments and how they shape organizational culture and performance. In the future, he hopes to pursue a Master of Business Administration, become a Certified Public Accountant, and potentially continue research within business-related fields.

How do Entrepreneurs Launch and Scale their Businesses in the Context of Economic Adversity and Poverty

Abstract

Entrepreneurs in low-income and economically challenging environments commonly operate under major constraints such as limited financial resources, weak institutional support, and small opportunity horizons. Regardless, many of these entrepreneurs can launch and scale their businesses despite the challenging conditions. This research explores how entrepreneurs can navigate economic adversity and identify the application of strategies they used to achieve sustainability in their business environment.

The study focuses on topics  such as adaptation of business models, making use of limited resources, creating a network, and leveraging that connection. It also examines the personal experience of resilience, learning, and opportunity recognition and application. By collecting the lived experience of entrepreneurs working under multiple frames of constraint, this research moves beyond conventional growth models that are commonly used to maintain stable economic conditions. The findings are directed at finding insights for entrepreneurs, policymakers, and other organizations seeking to assist business growth in more economically challenged communities.

Keywords: Entrepreneurship, Adversity, Business