Major
Business Administration
Anticipated Graduation Year
2026
Access Type
Open Access
Abstract
This study explores the cultural and linguistic challenges of entrepreneurs and business-serving organizations (BSOs) in Rogers Park, Chicago, highlighting how community-focused advising supports resilience and growth. Drawing on qualitative interview data, we analyze how entrepreneurs navigate language barriers, adapt to cultural expectations, and leverage community networks. Findings reveal that cultural and language differences create unique operational challenges, addressed through tailored, community-based advising that fosters social capital and business acumen. This research underscores the value of culturally sensitive advising in supporting diverse, immigrant-rich communities.
Faculty Mentors & Instructors
Dr. Akon Ekpo, Assistant Professor, Quinlan School of Business-Marketing ; Caitlin Osei Graduate Student Mentor, Quinlan School of Business
Supported By
Small Business Administration
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.
Voices from Roger's Park: How Entrepreneurs Navigate Cultural and Language Challenges with Community-Focused Advising
This study explores the cultural and linguistic challenges of entrepreneurs and business-serving organizations (BSOs) in Rogers Park, Chicago, highlighting how community-focused advising supports resilience and growth. Drawing on qualitative interview data, we analyze how entrepreneurs navigate language barriers, adapt to cultural expectations, and leverage community networks. Findings reveal that cultural and language differences create unique operational challenges, addressed through tailored, community-based advising that fosters social capital and business acumen. This research underscores the value of culturally sensitive advising in supporting diverse, immigrant-rich communities.