Entrepreneurship in times of crisis

Abstract

These are unprecedented times for entrepreneurs, innovators and their ventures in all sectors. Some have repurposed their ventures and expertise to support the common effort to support communities and frontline workers dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. Others face critical decisions about the future viability of their ventures for economic and political reasons. For example, the conditions for supporting entrepreneurship during crisis are especially challenging for entrepreneurs and small businesses due to the high levels of economic uncertainty created. Conversely, entrepreneurs play a crucial role in helping economies overcome crisis through the generation of innovations that support, inter alia, new ways of working. Some entrepreneurs will face the difficult decision to close their ventures and have to deal with the stigma of business failure. From business failure other entrepreneurs will consider creating another venture. In this special issue we present seven teaching cases studies that address a range of issues related to teaching entrepreneurship in times of crisis.