Micro-businesses need support: survival precedes sustainability

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to establish the role of micro-businesses in providing a sustainable business and community environment, and to share the perceptions of micro-business operators about the support they need to survive and be successful.Design methodology approach - An examination of literature regarding survival and available support for small businesses is followed by results from a New Zealand-based empirical study of micro-business operators.Findings - Micro-businesses are the dominant form of business organisation and have an important role in maintaining a stable and sustainable global environment. Although such businesses owners tend not to have a formal education in business or engage with external support agencies, they need support from community-based networks. These networks could reduce the sense of isolation, whilst at the same time providing an opportunity for sharing experiences, in particular about problems encountered.Research limitations implications - Implications for other jurisdictions may be limited as micro-business operators in New Zealand are relatively highly educated and the sample numbers are small (19 in-depth interviews and 91 questionnaire respondents).Practical implications - There is a need for psychological support for micro-business operators. Actions taken to increase their probability of survival and success are likely to enhance their interest in other aspects of the environment.Originality value - This paper helps to fill a gap in the small business literature on the behaviour and perceptions of micro-business operators. The paper presents original research on the psychological aspects that impinge on the business activities through surveys of micro-business operators.