From materials use to renewable energy: how disadvantaged entrepreneurs achieve environmental sustainability

Many micro-entrepreneurs—especially those experiencing social or economic vulnerabilities—lack the resources or motivation to engage in environmental initiatives. Therefore, it is important to identify effective measures to stimulate and support them towards enhancing the environmental sustainability of their business. To this aim, this sociological study focuses on micro-entrepreneurs who have already implemented or at least planned measures to improve the ecological performance of their enterprises. Adopting an intersectional lens and following a systematic screening of micro-enterprises managed by individuals from marginalized groups, we recruited 21 vulnerable micro-entrepreneurs across diverse sectors in Belgium, Greece, Italy, Norway, and Romania. Each entrepreneur was monitored over eight months, with three consecutive site visits and interviews conducted to examine how they address the challenge of making their businesses environmentally sustainable and to document their progress towards this goal, as well as the differences in this progress between entrepreneurs with varying vulnerabilities, motivations, educational backgrounds and inclusion in relevant networks. All 21 participants were found to be on a discernible trajectory toward greater environmental sustainability, engaging in activities such as energy efficiency upgrades, renewable energy adoption, waste sorting, biodegradable materials use, materials recycling, and sustainable mobility solutions. Of these, fifteen have already achieved measurable success, thanks to significant financial investments, the implementation of integrated, multi-pronged strategies, and a commitment to environmental stewardship as an ongoing process rather than a one-time initiative. Findings further suggest specific drivers of vulnerable entrepreneurs’ initiatives towards environmental sustainability and resources that may support their success.