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Entrepreneurial success in conflict zones: women, indigenous people and informal entrepreneurship in Colombia

A. López-Toro,Fernando Isla-Castillo,Katherine Bickel

Published 2026 in Journal of Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies

ABSTRACT

This paper aims to identify the factors that determine the success of entrepreneurship among individuals displaced by armed conflict in Colombia, emphasising their contributions to economic growth, social development and peacebuilding in conflict zones. The study uses a database from the Grupo de Fortalecimiento Estratégico para Empresas de Víctimas, which identified 3,421 active entrepreneurs. A descriptive analysis of key variables is conducted, followed by correlation analysis, independence tests and logit model estimations to determine the probability of entrepreneurial success. The results reveal that the key determinants of success include being indigenous and being formally registered. The indigenous status has the most significant impact on ventures, with sales of up to 3.5 million Colombian pesos (COP). Registration becomes critical for higher sales levels. Other factors, such as gender (women) and production and marketing involvement, also influence success to a lesser extent. Notably, the negative impact of being a woman shifts to a positive one for higher sales levels. This study was limited by its reliance on a single database, which could restrict generalisability. In addition, the analysis focuses on specific entrepreneurial outcomes, which may overlook the broader structural or cultural dynamics that influence success. The findings provide actionable insights for policymakers, suggesting targeted strategies to promote entrepreneurship among vulnerable groups, particularly women, indigenous communities and Afro-Colombians. These recommendations can guide the development of supportive ecosystems and policies for necessity-driven entrepreneurs in conflict-affected regions. This paper offers novel insights into the unique challenges and success factors for entrepreneurship in conflict zones, contributing to the scarce literature on displaced entrepreneurs in Colombia and advancing understanding of inclusive economic development in post-conflict contexts.

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