While emerging entrepreneurs face an array of challenges, visible minorities and women often have to work extra hard to achieve the same result. How to deconstruct structural inequalities within the entrepreneurial world? According to Olivier Germain, professor of entrepreneurship at the University of Quebec in Montreal (UQAM), this notably involves the emergence of entrepreneurs who show the way to new possibilities.
Inappropriate remarks, a condescending tone… In the United States, women have created the email address of a fake male colleague to demonstrate the difference in treatment between men and women. Several examples like this reveal the inequalities in the entrepreneurial sector, says Olivier Germain.
“All the support structures, financing, the entire entrepreneurial ecosystem was first thought out by and for white men, in the prime of life, educated, he says. There are microaggressions and systemic violence that will be encountered by people who do not fit the stereotype of the entrepreneur, such as women or minority groups. It may be more difficult for them to access funding or build networks to develop projects. »
“If I go away start-up and that I’m Haitian, it’s not the same challenge as if I’m a native Quebecer or an American! continues Olivier Germain. These people face an ongoing process of delegitimization. According to the specialist, it is possible to tackle inequalities in different ways. The expert highlights in particular the role of role models played by entrepreneurs who come out of stereotypes. “These are people who build possibilities, who open imaginaries [qui montrent] that you too can emancipate yourself, undo systems of oppression”, explains Mr. Germain, who does not hesitate to qualify these entrepreneurs as “activists”.
All the support and financing structures, the entire entrepreneurial ecosystem was first thought out by and for white men, in the prime of life, educated
Olivier Germain gives the example of a classroom where two models of entrepreneurs would be presented: one who became a millionaire thanks to her business, and another who created her café. If the young girls in the class may regard the breathtaking success of the millionaire as unattainable, they may identify more with the professional success of the cafe owner.
“Let’s build new heroes and new heroines!” suggests Olivier Germain. We must also make entrepreneurship accessible, and for that, we must show more mundane successes and democratize with more ordinary models. »
Beverley Jacques, co-founder of DOD Basketball, is one of those who are helping to change things in the shadows, underlines Olivier Germain. “He is a commercial entrepreneur, at the same time he has developed basketball activities,” says the expert, who adds that in addition to his social commitment, this entrepreneur of Haitian origin helps the next generation from minority communities on a voluntary basis in order to that they avoid pitfalls and microaggressions when starting their business.
Changing Perceptions
Olivier Germain also highlights the role of organizations that fight against structural inequality, such as the Groupe 3737 business incubator, which supports entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds. “For me, Groupe 3737 embodies the fact that we can create structures that will seek specific funding for racialized communities, that will move them [ces structures]. »
“In 20 or 30 years, entrepreneurship has become an industry with workers who can convey or repeat, without necessarily understanding or wanting it, a system that can be excluding, adds the expert. For me, there is an awareness and training effort to be made. »