by Carel Roessingh and Karen Smits

Abstract 

In Belize, Central America, Mennonites are notably present in the entrepreneurial arena of the country. Mennonite entrepreneurs face numerous challenges in establishing and running their business, like acquiring the education and skills needed to run an organisation. The Mennonites often make use of the social capital present within the community. Social capital is an important source, which is obtained from a network of connections allowing persons or organisations to enhance access to needed openings and changes. Religion is a rich and efficient foundation of social capital because it creates a shared background and common thoughts that bind people. By making use of their social capital entrepreneurs are able to expand their activities. Circle R illustrates the way in which social capital is present in a modern Mennonite organisation. This paper investigates how the concept of social capital is reflected in the daily practice of the Mennonite organisation of Circle R.

Read full article here!

Keywords: Belize; Mennonites; religious organisation; entrepreneurship; social capital.

Suggested APA reference: Roessingh, Carel & Smits, Karen. (2010). Social capital and Mennonite entrepreneurship: the case of Circle R in Blue Creek, Northern Belize. International Journal of Innovation and Regional Development – Int J Innovat Reg Dev, Vol .2, Nos 1/2, pp 22-35.