Urban poverty entrepreneurial resilience: a qualitative study

Urban poverty remains a significant challenge worldwide, requiring a deeper understanding and effective interventions. Despite decades of scholarly attention, there is a gap in understanding the philosophical framework of urban poverty studies, particularly regarding entrepreneurship among the urban poor. This study aims to address this gap by examining the variables influencing entrepreneurial resilience among urban poverty entrepreneurs in Malaysia to develop a resilient urban poverty entrepreneurship model. Drawing on a review of literature and empirical data, the study identifies the complexities of urban poverty and the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in this context. The research questions focus on identifying these variables and developing a model to enhance resilience. Through qualitative research methods including focus groups and interviews with urban poverty entrepreneurs supplemented by secondary data sources, the study delves into the unique factors shaping entrepreneurial resilience in Malaysia. Thematic analysis has been adopted to understand the dynamics of urban poverty entrepreneurship, shedding light on the interplay between socio-economic factors, personal competencies, and environmental conditions. The significance of the study lies in its potential to inform policy development, academic discourse, and practical interventions aimed at alleviating urban poverty and promoting economic independence. By elucidating the pathways to resilience in entrepreneurship, this research seeks to empower urban poverty entrepreneurs and foster resilience in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. While the scope of the study is limited to urban areas in Klang Valley, Malaysia, the insights generated are expected to have broader implications for understanding and addressing urban poverty challenges globally. This research contributes to a nuanced understanding of urban poverty entrepreneurship and offers actionable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers striving to create sustainable pathways out of poverty.