From Education to Enterprise: Examining the Barriers Preventing Unemployed Graduates from Pursuing Entrepreneurship in Quetta

Abstract

Entrepreneurship is an alternative strategy to reduce graduate unemployment and promoting economic development among unemployed university graduates. This study examined the barriers to entrepreneurship among unemployed graduates in Quetta city. The data were collected from 216 unemployed graduates through a structured questionnaire, the study employed a quantitative descriptive research design, Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to select respondents from major public universities in Quetta. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings indicated that lack of capital the most known barrier to unemployed graduates.  Majority of the graduates considered that limited access to financial support and loans for business to create new businesses.  The study also reported limited business knowledge and lack of practical entrepreneurial skills which reduce unemployed graduates from starting new businesses. Complicated government procedures and administrative requirements were identified as important barriers among graduates. Furthermore, the study lacks of support from family and market competitions depressed graduates from starting entrepreneurship as a career option. The study recommends vast entrepreneurship programs in Quetta city especially for students and graduates. Further the study recommends specific funds for students and graduates and publication of incubation centres in every university for a better access to entrepreneurship programs.  

Keywords: Entrepreneurship, Barriers, Graduate Unemployment, Employment, Financial Constraints, Quetta, Balochistan.