Entrepreneurship programs play a crucial role in supporting aspiring business owners and fostering innovation. However, many organizations with resources to support entrepreneurs often inadvertently perpetuate stereotypes of entrepreneurs as primarily masculine, white, and technology-focused. This lack of diversity and inclusion in entrepreneurship education can have far-reaching consequences, particularly for women and other marginalized groups who are less likely to benefit from such programs, especially those supporting high-growth enterprises.
Research has shown that new businesses account for most net job creation, highlighting the importance of effective and inclusive entrepreneurship programs. Entrepreneurial training has been linked to entrepreneurial intentions, inspiration, tolerance of ambiguity, and business start-ups, making entrepreneurship education a vital aspect of career development for many individuals. Therefore, it is essential for organizations to recognize and address biases within their programs to support all learners.
A collaborative international team, including experts in anthropology, entrepreneurship, and sociology, developed a framework to support inclusive entrepreneurship education and training. The Gender-Smart Entrepreneurship Education and Training Plus (GEET+) 2.0 toolkit extends a gender equity lens to consider intersectional identity factors such as race, ethnicity, religion, age, education, sexual orientation, culture, income, language, and disability. This toolkit aims to address barriers that marginalized and underrepresented individuals encounter in entrepreneurship programs.
One of the key findings of the research was the absence of policies and criteria associated with equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in entrepreneurship education and training. Educators and trainers expressed a need for guidance to enhance inclusion in their programs, with varying definitions of “inclusion” and “diversity.” A 19-country panel of entrepreneurship educators reflected on the inclusivity of entrepreneurship programming, highlighting challenges in enrolling and engaging students from underrepresented or marginalized groups.
The GEET+ framework helps educators assess seven content areas of their programs, including commitment to inclusive education, knowledge and expertise about EDI, access to resources, program design, development, delivery, and evaluation. By using this framework, organizations can identify gaps in their programs and work towards creating more inclusive and equitable entrepreneurship education opportunities.
Educators from larger organizations emphasized the value of engaging experts in EDI through workshops and team discussions to develop a common understanding of equity and inclusion issues within entrepreneurship education. Assessment processes led to team building and program changes, with some programs defining knowledge and expertise requirements and gaining clarity about resources and leadership commitments needed for program reform.
In conclusion, entrepreneurship education is a vital aspect of career development for many individuals, and it is essential for organizations to address biases and promote inclusivity within their programs. By utilizing tools such as the GEET+ framework, organizations can work towards creating more equitable and diverse entrepreneurship education opportunities for all learners.
