Development of Entrepreneurship Among Indigenous Communities in Central India: An Analysis of Challenges and Outcomes Abstract

The study explores the antecedents of developing entrepreneurial practices in indigenous areas and how they impact socio-economic indicators. Data for this empirical study were collected from 185 respondents from the indigenous communities of central India. The study examines the role of institutional and policy support as key factors influencing entrepreneurship development. Further, the study finds that entrepreneurship among indigenous communities has a profound impact on several socio-economic outcomes, such as job creation, revenue generation, skill development, and the preservation and development of cultural practices. The results analysed using SmartPLS show that government-led initiatives are beneficial in fostering entrepreneurship. However, access to the market is not a contributing factor in enhancing entrepreneurial growth, considering the digital age. The study contributes to promoting the social and economic growth of indigenous entrepreneurs and related areas by helping policymakers and community leaders with practical insight that contributes to overcoming the challenges faced by entrepreneurs. This unique study focuses on the central Indian setting to provide a foundation for future study and policy creation aimed at empowering indigenous entrepreneurship.