Resilience in Adversity: COVID-19 Pandemic Challenges in Diminishing Entrepreneurial Intentions and Business Startups

Abstract

In this study, the researchers explore the effects of COVID-19-related challenges, such as fear and anxiety about COVID-19, the uncertainty of COVID-19, and the recognition of business opportunities for entrepreneurial intentions and business startups. This study used quantitative methods and based their findings on 278 usable samples collected from Egyptian entrepreneurs. Employing the Structural Equation Model (SEM) through SmartPLS4 shows that fear and anxiety arising from the COVID-19 pandemic harm entrepreneurial intentions and business startups. Moreover, the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic and the recognition of business opportunities positively and significantly impact entrepreneurial intentions and business startups. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, this study’s findings support psychological well-being, reduce uncertainty, foster the recognition of business opportunities, and implement supportive policies to promote entrepreneurial intentions and successful business startups.