Ethnic Minority Businesses in Scotland and the Role of Social Capital

Abstract

This article reports findings from a scoping study, commissioned by the Scottish Executive, on ethnic minority businesses (EMBs) and their distinctive importance in Scotland. The study combines quantitative and qualitative analysis and builds upon previous research undertaken in the UK and Scotland to investigate the changing importance of known issues with EMBs for Scotland. The role and importance of social capital for EMBs in Scotland has not been explored in previous research, although because of strong informal networks, it has been feasible to assume that its role is beneficial. In this article, we examine the role of social capital and demonstrate that its role is more complex and diverse.