<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

<p>The aim of this paper is to explore the impact that the initial stages of the COVID-19 crisis had on entrepreneurs. We present the experiences of fifteen entrepreneurs. The data was collected, using interviews. We focus on the impact that the temporary business closures which were introduced had on the entrepreneurs’ ability and propensity to continue. The interviews took place during a period of great uncertainty for the entrepreneurs and at times when their availability was extremely limited. We present data characterising the entrepreneurs; their experience during a time of crisis; and the enablers and disablers to the continuation of their entrepreneurial journey. Our analysis is based on four themes from the literature: the psychological wellbeing of the entrepreneurs; their changing attitudes to entrepreneurship; the changes they made to their business; and the supports that they needed. The outcome is novel insights into the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis.</p>
</abstract>

The aim of this paper is to explore the impact that the initial stages of the COVID-19 crisis had on entrepreneurs. We present the experiences of fifteen entrepreneurs. The data was collected, using interviews. We focus on the impact that the temporary business closures which were introduced had on the entrepreneurs’ ability and propensity to continue. The interviews took place during a period of great uncertainty for the entrepreneurs and at times when their availability was extremely limited. We present data characterising the entrepreneurs; their experience during a time of crisis; and the enablers and disablers to the continuation of their entrepreneurial journey. Our analysis is based on four themes from the literature: the psychological wellbeing of the entrepreneurs; their changing attitudes to entrepreneurship; the changes they made to their business; and the supports that they needed. The outcome is novel insights into the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis.

Entrepreneurs responding to the COVID-19 crisis: evidence from Ireland

Department of Global Business and Enterprise; Department

The Irish Journal of Management

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

{"article-title":"Entrepreneurs responding to the COVID-19 crisis: evidence from Ireland"}

The aim of this paper is to explore the impact that the initial stages of the COVID-19 crisis had on entrepreneurs. We present the experiences of fifteen...

Theme	Stage 1March 16th	Stage 2May 5th	Stage 3June 8th	Stage 4July 7th	Stage 5Aug 25th
Psychological	Life stands still, unable to comprehend.	Post-shock reflection on work/life balance.	Despair and frustration.	Relief and joy at reopening.	Acceptance of the situation and hopeful.
Attitudes	Focus on others, particularly family members.	Realise that their business is a key part of their identity.	Difficult to see positives, problem focused.	Pushing to maximise turnover and catch-up.	Benefitted from a period of reflection.
Business	Taking time to consider how best to improve.	Limited activity. Exploring online options.	Risings costs and reduced turnover.	Busy due to residual demand/finance.	Made improvements and diversified.
Supports	Searching for accurate information.	Need credit extensions.	Networking with other entrepreneurs.	Need Information to help make future plans.	Dependent on the duration of the crisis.

	Name	Gender	Age	Edu	Bus Age	Industry	Closure
1	Aisling	Female	40	HE	10	Accommodation	12 weeks
2	Michael	Male	55	LC	25	Accommodation	12 weeks
3	Greg	Male	40	LC	20	Accommodation	12 weeks
4	Tom	Male	55	HE	10	Prof Services	6 weeks
5	Annette	Female	40	HE	25	Prof Services	n/a
6	Emma	Female	35	HE	8	Prof Services	n/a
7	Lorraine	Female	35	HE	2	Fitness/Health	6 weeks
8	Shaun	Male	40	LC	1	Fitness/Health	16 weeks
9	Rory	Male	35	HE	2	Fitness/Health	16 weeks
10	Claire	Female	50	LC	15	Retail	12 weeks
11	Liam	Male	60	LC	30	Retail	12 weeks
12	Linda	Female	30	LC	10	Retail	6 weeks
13	Abdul	Male	45	LC	15	Restaurant	6 weeks
14	Pat	Male	50	LC	5	Restaurant	12 weeks
15	Breda	Female	30	LC	15	Restaurant	12 weeks

Entrepreneurs responding to the COVID-19 crisis: evidence from Ireland

Article Category: Research Article

Published Online: Apr 02, 2022

Page range: 143 - 156

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/ijm-2021-0010

Keywords
Psychological wellbeing, crisis, entrepreneurial journey, resilience, COVID-19

© 2021 Simon Stephens et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Matrix of findings for each stage and each theme from the literature

Participants

Entrepreneurs responding to the COVID-19 crisis: evidence from Ireland

Article Category: Research Article

Published Online: Apr 02, 2022

Page range: 143 - 156

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/ijm-2021-0010

KeywordsPsychological wellbeing, crisis, entrepreneurial journey, resilience, COVID-19

© 2021 Simon Stephens et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Matrix of findings for each stage and each theme from the literature

Participants

Keywords
Psychological wellbeing, crisis, entrepreneurial journey, resilience, COVID-19