TRIGGERING EVENTS IN THE ENTREPRENEURIAL PROCESS: WHEN ARE THEY CRITICAL?

Edward Bewayo
Montclair State University, Montclair-New Jersey
ABSTRACT.
This study examines positive or negative triggering events in the entrepreneurial process in Northern New Jersey to find out the issue of the specific triggering events that led to starting a business. Interviews with a sample of business owners (97) were conducted. The findings of this study revealed that the majority of the interviewed entrepreneurs cited factors such as “I have been planning to have my own business for a long time”, and “I found a good business opportunity”. A minority of the interviewed business owners cited negative triggering factors such as job loss, and demanding jobs or bosses, factors that commonly force people into entrepreneurship. These findings confirm those of some earlier studies