Identification of Factors in the Creation, Establishment, and Advancement of Entrepreneurship in Active Small and Medium Enterprises in the Aras Free Trade-Industrial Zone

Abstract

Objective: The present research aimed to identify the factors involved in the creation, establishment, and advancement of entrepreneurship in active small and medium enterprises in the Aras Free Trade-Industrial Zone.

Method: Qualitative research using semi-structured interviews and a statistical population consisting of owners, managers, and entrepreneurs of active small and medium enterprises in the Aras Free Trade-Industrial Zone with a minimum of 5 years of activity in 2022. To determine the sample, 19 managers of these companies participated in the research using snowball sampling until theoretical saturation was reached.

Findings: Based on the thematic analysis resulting from interviews with managers, four main factors were identified as the key themes in the form of 15 sub-themes from 53 coded sentences in the current study. These factors constitute the elements of the creation, establishment, and advancement of entrepreneurship in active small and medium enterprises in the Aras Free Trade-Industrial Zone.

Conclusion: In conclusion, to establish and advance entrepreneurship in active small and medium enterprises in the Aras Free Trade-Industrial Zone, it is necessary to pay attention to appropriate mechanisms. The allocation of material and spiritual support, along with facilitating public services, can, alongside infrastructure factors and the implementation of customs laws, contribute to the establishment and advancement of entrepreneurship in active small and medium enterprises in the Aras Free Trade-Industrial Zone.