This paper is the result of a research focused on the study of entrepreneurial patterns, contexts and experiences. Its particular objectives are the analysis of the different pathways to become an entrepreneur. On the basis of in-depth interviews to women and men entrepreneurs about their individual trajectories, a typology of access to entrepreneurship is proposed. This categorisation expresses different combinations of social factors and places particular emphasis on the effects that gender and qualifications have on the decision to become selfemployed, without neglecting the importance of socioeconomic circumstances, interpersonal networks and family relationships.

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Entrepreneurship,Gender,Qualifications

• Mathematics - Natural Sciences
• Civil Engineering - Engineering and Technology
• Economics and Business - Social Sciences
• Other Social Sciences - Social Sciences

This publication is an output of the following project(s):

• Gender, entrepreneurship and qualifications in Portugal: trends, contexts and individual experiences