Publication Date
2020
Abstract
Select entrepreneurs are successful for a reason. One reason being, they have been able to use their skills to execute during times of chaos and panic, sometimes using these times as an opportunity to identify and exploit new or existing opportunities. Now and then, the external business environment changes in a manner that was never imagined or planned, therefore creating unintended impacts or new opportunities. During times of chaos, will these entrepreneurs pursue newly present opportunities that were not planned, or will they stick to their comfort zone? While several studies have been conducted looking at the characteristics of the entrepreneur, or the experiences faced by the entrepreneur, there is an opportunity to expand the current literature to understand what entrepreneurs do when unplanned opportunities are presented during these times of chaos. This study draws on emergence theory to better understand characteristics of the experience. A qualitative survey of eight entrepreneurs are interviewed throughout the United States. Seven of these entrepreneurs experienced some great business opportunities during the first months of COVID-19.