Title: Case study narrative: is business creation different for disabled entrepreneurs?

Authors: Julien Billion; Catherine Lejealle; Claire Doussard; David Duchamp

Addresses: ICN Business School, CEREFIGE, University of Lorraine, 86 Rue Sergent Blandan, 54000 Nancy, France ' ISC Paris, 10-12 Rue Victor Hugo, 92300 Levallois-Perret, France ' ESA, 254 Bd Raspail, 75014 Paris, France ' ICN Business School, CEREFIGE, University of Lorraine, 86 Rue Sergent Blandan, 54000 Nancy, France

Abstract: This case study provides a comprehensive understanding of persons with disabilities (PWD), with a specific focus on entrepreneurs with disabilities (EWD). Emmanuelle Charbit, the Head of H'up Entrepreneurs - a French association dedicated to supporting EWD - faced a pivotal moment in April 2025 as she prepared to onboard new colleagues. Eager to strengthen the support her organisation offers, she sought a deeper understanding of the specificities, challenges, and strategies that characterise the entrepreneurial journeys of EWD. This case study uses effectuation theory as a conceptual lens to examine the practices and reasoning of disabled entrepreneurs, shedding light on how they navigate uncertainty and leverage available means. Through this analysis, it provides Emmanuelle Charbit with valuable insights to train her new team members, improve internal practices, and ultimately foster a more inclusive and responsive support ecosystem for entrepreneurs with disabilities.

Keywords: entrepreneur; disability; effectuation theory; means; imagination.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTCS.2026.153076

International Journal of Teaching and Case Studies, 2026 Vol.16 No.2, pp.134 - 145

Received: 03 Jul 2025
Accepted: 02 Aug 2025
Published online: 21 Apr 2026 *

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