A Multi-Methods Investigation of Brazilian Entrepreneurship in Portugal

This study investigated Brazilian entrepreneurship in Portugal using a multimethod approach, aiming to understand the trajectories, motivations, and challenges faced by immigrants in the process of creating and consolidating their businesses. In light of t he significant increase in Brazilian entrepreneurs in the country and the gaps identified in the literature, the research combined quantitative and qualitative data to provide a comprehensive and contextualized analysis. Between July 2024 and March 2025, surveys were conducted with 600 immigrants alongside 60 in -depth interviews, complemented by field observations and secondary data gathered from social media, consulates, and associations. Quantitative analysis employed descriptive statistics to outline the sociodemographic profile of participants, while qualitative data were processed using MaxQDA and interpreted through the Gioia methodology, allowing for the identification of recurring themes in the narratives. The results revealed two main profiles of en trepreneurs: those motivated by opportunity, who had planned their migration and business ventures, and those driven by necessity, who engaged in entrepreneurship more spontaneously as a means of economic survival. The interviews also uncovered subjective elements of the entrepreneurial journeys, such as adaptation processes, support networks, and bureaucratic and cultural barriers. The methodological triangulation strengthened the analytical robustness, and the findings offer valuable theoretical, empirica l, and practical contributions —supporting public policy development and initiatives aimed at assisting Brazilian immigrant entrepreneurs in Portugal.