Understanding the Experiences and Challenges of Chinese Immigrant Entrepreneurs Operating a Business in an Australian Regional Economy: The Case of Tasmania

Chinese immigrant entrepreneurs contribute substantially to the Australian economy, and have played an important role within the development of Australia’s multicultural society (Collins, 2002). Whilst a developing body of literature exists that explores the profile and impact of Chinese immigrant entrepreneurs in Australia, missing is literature focussing upon the operation of Chinese immigrant businesses in regional Australian economies. As a result, there is limited knowledge of number and types of Chinese immigrant businesses that operate in regional areas, the characteristics of Chinese immigrant entrepreneurs, the types and importance of different business resources utilised, and the factors that both enable and inhibit the successful establishment and operation of their businesses. This research project addresses these knowledge gaps, and provides insight into the characteristics and motivations of Chinese immigrant entrepreneurs operating businesses within Tasmania, and importantly, their experiences of establishing and operating a business in the Tasmanian economy. The research identifies factors that both facilitate and inhibit the successful establishment and operation of businesses by Chinese entrepreneurs, including internal business resources and capabilities, as well as barriers and resources in the external business environment.