Navigating Intersectional Challenges

While migrant women’s entrepreneurship is growing, the literature has largely overlooked how ethnic origin shapes entrepreneurial experiences within a specific national context. To address this gap, we examine two migrant women entrepreneurs from different ethnic backgrounds in Italy. We draw upon case-study interviews to examine obstacles to accessing finance, building business networks, and overcoming cultural and institutional barriers. Through the lens of an intersectional approach, we show how these dimensions interact to shape entrepreneurial trajectories. The findings indicate that ethnicity can function both as an obstacle, via prejudices and stereotypes that restrict access to mainstream networks, and as a resource enabling entry into distinct market niches and fostering trust within the community. Both entrepreneurs combine skills acquired in their countries of origin with those developed in Italy, thereby contributing to inclusive business models. Our analysis shows how ethnic and cultural dynamics influence the economic and social inclusion of migrant women entrepreneurs, and encourages recognition and incorporation of cultural and linguistic competences into support programs, including cultural events and intercultural exchanges, to strengthen policies for this group.