Disabled Entrepreneurs: Stories, Spaces, and Ecosystems (Routledge Studies in Entrepreneurship and Small Business)

Disabled Entrepreneurs: Stories, Spaces, and Ecosystems explores the lived experiences of entrepreneurs with physical and sensory disabilities. Drawing on original qualitative research, this interdisciplinary book combines insights from management studies, sociology, and geography to examine how structural barriers, spatial dynamics, and personal agency shape entrepreneurial journeys. Through rich narratives and empirical analysis, it challenges normative assumptions about both entrepreneurship and disability, providing a nuanced understanding of the intersection between professional practice and social inclusion. This book is characterized by three core features: its interdisciplinary framework, which integrates structural, spatial, and relational perspectives; its human-centered approach, which amplifies the voices of disabled entrepreneurs and highlights their challenges, strategies, and motivations; and its strong societal commitment to promoting equity and inclusion.

Readers will gain valuable insights into entrepreneurial ecosystems, accessibility, and the role of place and mobility in shaping business development. This book also offers insights for policymakers, practitioners, and organizations seeking to foster inclusive entrepreneurship. Ideal for academics, researchers, and graduate students in management, entrepreneurship, disability studies, and human geography, this book also appeals to policymakers, nonprofit leaders, and disability advocates. Its global relevance ensures broad appeal across diverse contexts, making it a vital resource for advancing inclusive innovation and economic development.

Julien Billion is a Professor at ICN Business School and an Affiliated Researcher at the CEREFIGE Laboratory, University of Lorraine, France.

Claire Doussard is a Professor at the École Spéciale d’Architecture in Paris, France, and an independent researcher.