Religious institutions and new ventures: evidence from the African American experience

This study examines the church as a participant in the entrepreneurial process by offering support in one or more of the following, encouragement, technical assistance, office material or financial capital. This study examined African American churches in the Austin area and found that participation in the entrepreneurial process was influenced by the following, if the church owned a business, the number of paid staff and the size of the church. Smaller churches were more likely to be entrepreneurial and participate in providing office materials, financial assistance, technical support and Pastoral support. Resource rich churches were likely to participate in the entrepreneurial process but it is clear that there are other factors which influence participation. These factors include the orientation of the Pastor.