Article: Examining the inhibiting factors of sustainable entrepreneurship: evidence from emerging economies Journal: World Review of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development (WREMSD) 2025 Vol.21 No.6 pp.1 - 26 Abstract: This study investigates the barriers to sustainable entrepreneurship in the context of emerging economies, with a particular focus on Nigeria. A quantitative research approach was adopted, using structured questionnaires distributed to entrepreneurs across the manufacturing, sales and food services sectors. From 310 valid responses, the analysis identified various challenges business owners encounter in maintaining sustainable operations. The results emphasise the importance of economic stability and financial access in supporting sustainable business practices. Without an enabling environment, long-term sustainability becomes difficult to achieve. Although widely used empirical techniques were applied, this research offers valuable findings drawn from the Nigerian MSME sector, which remains underrepresented in the literature on sustainability. The study also reflects on its theoretical foundation, highlighting the need to explore additional perspectives beyond resource-based and institutional theories. Furthermore, it calls for a more comprehensive approach to understanding government support and financial barriers. The study provides insights that can inform policy and guide future efforts to strengthen sustainable entrepreneurship in similar contexts. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Examining the inhibiting factors of sustainable entrepreneurship: evidence from emerging economies

Authors: Gbemisola Ogbolu; Ayotunde Adetola Adelaja; Millicent Ifeyinwa Ohanagorom; Fanar Shwedeh

Addresses: Teesside University, Middlesbrough, England, UK ' Graduate School of Business, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia ' Teesside University, Middlesbrough, England, UK ' City University Ajman, Ajman, UAE

Abstract: This study investigates the barriers to sustainable entrepreneurship in the context of emerging economies, with a particular focus on Nigeria. A quantitative research approach was adopted, using structured questionnaires distributed to entrepreneurs across the manufacturing, sales and food services sectors. From 310 valid responses, the analysis identified various challenges business owners encounter in maintaining sustainable operations. The results emphasise the importance of economic stability and financial access in supporting sustainable business practices. Without an enabling environment, long-term sustainability becomes difficult to achieve. Although widely used empirical techniques were applied, this research offers valuable findings drawn from the Nigerian MSME sector, which remains underrepresented in the literature on sustainability. The study also reflects on its theoretical foundation, highlighting the need to explore additional perspectives beyond resource-based and institutional theories. Furthermore, it calls for a more comprehensive approach to understanding government support and financial barriers. The study provides insights that can inform policy and guide future efforts to strengthen sustainable entrepreneurship in similar contexts.

Keywords: sustainable entrepreneurship; government support; technology infrastructure; economic and financial constraints.

DOI: 10.1504/WREMSD.2025.150508

World Review of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development, 2025 Vol.21 No.6, pp.1 - 26

Received: 28 Jun 2025
Accepted: 22 Sep 2025
Published online: 15 Dec 2025 *

Title: Examining the inhibiting factors of sustainable entrepreneurship: evidence from emerging economies

Keep up-to-date