Development of Bangladeshi immigrant entrepreneurship in Canada

Abstract

Canada has developed a comprehensive immigration policy to accept different types of immigrants under its economic, family and humanitarian immigration categories. Canada invites over a quarter-million immigrants in a year. Many of these immigrants do not find suitable jobs upon arrival in Canada. Some of these immigrants choose to open their own businesses and eventually become entrepreneurs. Drawing on the experiences of Bangladeshi immigrants in Canada, this paper examines how immigrants reposition themselves to become immigrant entrepreneurs in the settlement process. Findings suggest that immigrant entrepreneurship is embedded within the dynamics of immigration trajectory and the broader context of the receiving society. Even though Bangladeshis are driven toward the lower end of the economy, innovations have expanded the breadth and depth of their businesses and made their businesses different and rewarding.