Understanding immigrant micro-enterprises through the social dimension of sustainability and place attachment

Sustainable development encompasses more than environmental and economic concerns. It also has a social dimension grounded in everyday relationships and practices. This study examines that dimension through place attachment, focusing on how immigrant micro-enterprise (IME) owners in a regional context develop attachment to their new home communities. Based on semi-structured interviews, it finds that attachment grows gradually through informal interactions. As residents may initially be cautious towards immigrant businesses, IME owners often work harder than native entrepreneurs to gain acceptance. Over time, they develop dual attachment to their country of origin and new home. IMEs also employ family members and co-ethnics who face barriers in mainstream labour markets. Their businesses offer support, transmit locally adapted norms and strengthen attachment at the town or municipal level. As trust develops, owners combine knowledge and practices from their countries of origin with local expectations. This shapes how they relate to customers, deliver services and organise their businesses, with innovation emerging through incremental, informal adjustments. The study highlights how IMEs' migration histories, cultural backgrounds and ties to their countries of origin shape their place attachment and contributions to sustainability in their new communities.