Entrepreneurial intention of Brazilian immigrants in Canada

Abstract

This study provides evidence of possible sociodemographic characteristics that would influence the intention of Brazilian immigrants to engage in ventures in Canada. Data were collected through surveys released on Brazilian Facebook groups. A total of 675 Brazilian respondents living in Canada were triangulated with data from seven semi-structured interviews conducted in Canada and with two consulate officials. Survey data analysis was performed with logit equations to check relationships between entrepreneurial intention (EI) and variables — namely, gender, age upon arrival, level of education, length of stay in the country, student/work/tourist visa status upon arrival, and citizenship application status/permanent migration. The key results point to factors with a positive influence on the intention to venture: gender (being female) and all visa status and other variables were either non-significant or had a negative influence. Of the entrepreneurs, age upon arrival was a significant predictor. Variables such as level of education, time in the country, and tourist visa had a negative influence. This paper contributes theoretically by evidencing recent immigration patterns and variables related to entrepreneurial venturing in the Brazilian immigrant community in Canada, which may support mechanisms for attracting and fostering future entrepreneurs. Further comparative studies between other Brazilian and ethnic communities are proposed, including other variables.