This study profiles the characteristics, attributes, and growth orientations of Lebanese entrepreneurs including the relationships, roles, and contributions family and culture plays in the development of private small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). Drawing on a sample of 112 entrepreneurs' psychographic motives, demographic attributes and business activities are revealed. Family and enterprise relationships related to employment, investment, and active family participation and growth orientations are empirically tested. The findings suggest that entrepreneurs are motivated by the need for independence and flexibility. Entrepreneurs were found to rely heavily on family member participation to establish, develop, and grow their enterprises. The majority of the entrepreneurs surveyed employed at least one family member on a full-time basis. Entrepreneurs were also found to use family finances as the primary source of start-up capital. Family participation in the form of employment and investment was found to have a positive impact on entrepreneurial growth intentions and expansion plans.
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