Trauma & Entrepreneurship: Challenges and Opportunities Across Three Contexts

Abstract

Trauma, whether experienced individually or collectively, can profoundly influence entrepreneurial motivation, behavior, and well-being. Through three interrelated papers, this dissertation examines how trauma can simultaneously constrain and catalyze entrepreneurial action. The first paper investigates how a large public research university responded to the cascading collective traumas of the COVID-19 pandemic by embracing intrapreneurial thinking. By launching a virtual incubator to support marginalized entrepreneurs worldwide, the institution not only addressed societal needs but also bolstered its adaptability, legitimacy, and social impact. The second paper introduces a trauma-informed framework for refugee entrepreneurship support, grounded in principles of trauma-informed care to address traumas often experienced by refugees. By centering psychological well-being and trauma-informed interventions, this framework offers practical guidance for tailoring entrepreneurship programs to the unique needs of refugee entrepreneurs. The third paper employs Freire’s critical consciousness theory to explore the entrepreneurial endeavors of bar hostesses (i.e., sex workers) in Nairobi, Kenya. We observe that despite confronting overlapping traumas – stigmatization, COVID-19 disruptions, and systemic marginalization – they exercise entrepreneurial autonomy and collective emancipation. Their experiences underscore how dialogue, critical reflection and action, and empowering entrepreneurship education can spur resilience, community-building, and social change. Taken together, these three studies highlight trauma’s dual capacity to hinder and inspire innovation and social impact. By illuminating social intrapreneurship, trauma-informed care, and critical consciousness, this dissertation provides new insights into how individuals and communities facing profound adversity and trauma can leverage entrepreneurship for transformative healing, empowerment, and inclusive economic development.