Successful Entrepreneurship in a Developing Country: A case study in Cotonou, Benin

Abstract

This qualitative investigation took place in Cotonou, Benin in 2011. 22 entrepreneurs (business owners and managers) were interviewed in order to identify success factors for formal and private business entrepreneurship. The sample was based on the membership of CNP-Benin, a local business non-government organization. A model was created to classify the levels of success for the companies interviewed. To identify the factors that led to business success, the investigation looked at (1) characteristics (2) access to assets (social, human, natural, physical and financial capital) and (3) strategies. Success factors were identified (1) at the individual level by looking at personal characteristics, traits and qualities associated with entrepreneurship (2) at the firm level (3) for business start-up and (4) in the strategies employed for business success.