Successful relationships in non-EU female immigrant businesses

Purpose This study aims to explore the role of intellectual capital, particularly relational capital, in the success of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) owned by non-EU immigrant women in Italy. It highlights the growing prevalence of female-owned foreign enterprises and proposes an analytical framework for understanding the significance of relational capital in this context. Design/methodology/approach The research uses a qualitative case study methodology, using a structured questionnaire based on the C.A.O.S. model. This model provides a framework for analyzing the importance of relationships in the development of immigrant women-owned businesses, focusing on key factors such as personal attributes, operational environment, organizational aspects and entrepreneurial motivations. Findings This study reveals a significant link between relational capital and the success of businesses owned by non-EU immigrant women. The key factors examined include the personal attributes of the entrepreneur (C), operational environment (A), organizational aspects and managerial approach (O) and entrepreneurial motivations (S). The analysis, informed by detailed interviews, underscores the pivotal role of informal networks, such as those with family, friends and community members, particularly during the critical startup phase. These networks provide essential support in the form of motivation, financial resources and practical assistance. Research limitations/implications While this study offers valuable insights into the role of relational capital in immigrant female entrepreneurship, it is constrained by the small sample size of the three case studies and reliance on interviews as the primary data source. Future research should expand the sample size and explore additional methodologies to enhance the validity and generalizability of these findings. Nonetheless, the study contributes to filling a gap in the literature regarding the relational aspects of immigrant entrepreneurship. Practical implications The findings have important implications for policy and practice. They suggest the need for targeted policies and support mechanisms to enhance relational capital for non-EU immigrant female entrepreneurs in Italy, with an emphasis on networking and community integration. Originality/value This study is original in its focus on non-EU immigrant women entrepreneurs in Italy and its application of the C.A.O.S. model to explore the critical role of relational capital. By examining the relational dimensions of immigrant entrepreneurship, this study offers a nuanced understanding of how these relationships influence the success of immigrant women-owned enterprises.