Micro-Entrepreneurs and Economic Challenges: A Post-Pandemic Urban Study
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Abstract
Micro-entrepreneurship is crucial for economic resilience, especially in developing countries where small businesses sustain local economies. While economic resilience has been widely studied, the subjective experiences of micro-entrepreneurs in the post-pandemic era remain underexplored. This study fills that gap by examining how urban micro-entrepreneurs adapt to economic adversity and assess government policies. Using an interpretative phenomenological approach, the research explores the lived experiences of 10 micro-entrepreneurs from various sectors. Data from semi-structured interviews were thematically analyzed, revealing key themes: adaptive strategies, financial barriers, and policy perceptions. Findings indicate that while participants leverage innovation and digital tools to remain resilient, they face significant hurdles such as limited financial aid access and misaligned policies. This study highlights the need for more inclusive and responsive policy frameworks to support micro-entrepreneurs effectively. Future research could extend to rural settings or adopt longitudinal approaches to track adaptive strategies over time.
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