ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on research about entrepreneurship within low-income communities and disadvantaged populations. It explains the specific sectors of potential business opportunities for entrepreneurs in low-income communities, such as tourism and the 'green economy'. The chapter then shows how creating an overall ED environment helps to encourage entrepreneurship in those communities. There is substantial research on the important role of small business in growing the employment numbers and economies of local communities. Education is the foundation of entrepreneurship. Hanham, Loveridge, and Richardson evaluate the national K–8th grade Rural Entrepreneurship through Action Learning (REAL) program, active in 43 states and internationally. Business incubators are a popular tool for providing a nurturing entrepreneurial environment. Cooperatives can provide many functions similar to business incubators. Community development corporations (CDCs) can serve a variety of ED functions, although typically they are associated with other community development subfields such as healthcare, education, and community organizing.
