Many Jamaicans who migrate, becoming diasporas or immigrant,dream of starting their own businesses. However, some face challenges in the entrepreneurial process that frustrate start up and growth, forcing them to the periphery. That is, in terms of proximity to resources and networks for overcoming challenges, such as access to finance and liabilities of foreignness, size and newness. So, how do diaspora/immigrant entrepreneurs from the periphery and non-mainstream markets emerge, survive and grow in adopted countries?

Through a case study of Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery and Grill, the largest Caribbean eatery in the US and its founder, the late Jamaican-born Lowell Hawthorne, the research underscores the role of family, co-ethnic networks, and the cultural knowledge and resources from the country of origin (Jamaica) in helping diaspora/immigrantentrepreneurs to start, grow and mainstream their enterprises.

Research Relevance

The findings are importantgiven theenduring relevance of migration as a feature of Jamaican/Caribbean life. They highlight strategies for migrants to gaineconomic independence,contribute to their countries of residence (COR) andthe Caribbean through entrepreneurial start-ups and business creation. The findings can also guide governments (in the COR and Caribbean) on the ideal policy and business support for growing transnational diaspora/immigrant entrepreneurship.