Networking the Relationships of Microenterprise Development in Bulgaria

Networking the Relationships of Microenterprise Development in Bulgaria by Kristina VanOverschelde Harris MBA, University of Dayton, 1997 BS, University of Dayton, 1996 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University August 2015 Abstract The networking relationships provided by microenterprise development (MED) organizations foster sustainable and scalable Bulgarian small businesses. Some Bulgarian MED leaders lack the strategies to help sustain small businesses in Bulgaria. Guided by the actor network theory, the purpose of this case study was to explore the strategies MED leaders use to help sustain small businesses in Bulgaria. Data were collectedThe networking relationships provided by microenterprise development (MED) organizations foster sustainable and scalable Bulgarian small businesses. Some Bulgarian MED leaders lack the strategies to help sustain small businesses in Bulgaria. Guided by the actor network theory, the purpose of this case study was to explore the strategies MED leaders use to help sustain small businesses in Bulgaria. Data were collected through a semistructured focus group comprised of MED Bulgarian business leaders (n = 4) in Rhodope Mountain Region and company data consisting of financial reports, marketing presentations, and company business plan. The data analysis included using keyword frequency comparisons, coding techniques, and cluster analysis. Three themes emerged from the findings: access to financial and nonfinancial capital, networking and relationships, and sustainability and scalability. According to the study results, strategies and scalability impede the ability to expand and service more small business owners. The recommended change in business practices of MED leaders included the formalization of networks of other MED leaders and partner organizations to efficiently meet the demands of the Bulgarian small business market. The implications for social change include the need for networks to aid entrepreneurs in gaining market access, obtaining capital resources, and maintaining sustainability that contributes to the economic and social development of Bulgaria. Networking the Relationships of Microenterprise Development in Bulgaria by Kristina VanOverschelde Harris MBA, University of Dayton, 1997 BS, University of Dayton, 1996 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University August 2015 Dedication I dedicate this study to my husband, Terry, for his continuous support and my children, Jadyn, Makayla, Aaron, and Ashley, for their constant motivation. I am grateful for the continuous support and encouragement I received from family, friends, colleagues, and Walden faculty and staff. Acknowledgments The 2014 Presidential Research Fellowship, Fellowship in Research and Applications in Social Change, from Walden University partially funded this research. I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to my committee, Dr. Peter Anthony, Dr. Gergana Velkova, and Dr. Denise Land. There constant support and attention to detail kept me on track towards successful doctoral study completion. Dr. Freda Turner, Walden DBA Program Director, also motivated me to keep moving forward. I would also like to acknowledge the Bulgarian MED and SME industry leaders. Your support and guidance were much appreciated. The leaders within the industry continue to impress me with their vast knowledge and dedication to creating more opportunities for Bulgarian entrepreneurs.