Critical Success Factors for Malaysian Food-Based Entrepreneurs with Disabilities

This present study is qualitative research on seven food-based disabled entrepreneurs in Malaysia and key qualities for success. Thematic analysis of the interview results identified four critical success factors that bring much success to the seven interviewees: (1) Resilience was demonstrated where all seven faced challenges but bounced back, like Mahmud overcoming a cancelled pre-order and Amir overcoming bullying, (2) Adaptability and innovation was observed when interviewees demonstrated abilities to adjust to circumstances, like Bety baking cakes after losing her bank job due to hearing impairment and Harith switching to pre-orders to avoid wasted coffee; (3) Determination drives the entrepreneurs to succeed, like Liezda who feels responsible for her family's well-being; (4) Focus on Strengths where the seven interviewees leverage their strengths to their business advantage, such as Mahmud's persuasion skills and Liezda's customer rapport. Equally important is family support, a contextual factor, as family plays a crucial role, with examples like Are-peet's wife who is a good cook and Bety's husband who helps with communication and operational matters. A conceptual framework is proposed to show the interplay of the four critical success factors and the contextual factor. The study recommends that the creation of an inclusive ecosystem enables deserving entrepreneurs with disabilities who run small enterprises to grow. Tracer studies on both successful and unsuccessful entrepreneurs with disabilities as well as development of businesses typologies and related training programs are recommended accordingly.