Empreendedorismo por necessidade: taxonomia de microempreendedores do ramo alimentício no campus A. C. Simões Maceió

Abstract

This study profiles food-sector micro-entrepreneurs operating at the A. C. Simões Campus of the Federal University of Alagoas and proposes a four-dimensional taxonomy that combines motivation (necessity vs. opportunity), innovation level, psychological profile, and economic impact. Employing a descriptive mixed-methods design, we administered face-to-face questionnaires and conducted systematic field observations, integrating quantitative and qualitative evidence through methodological triangulation. Findings indicate a predominance of necessity-driven ventures, basic physical setups, and incremental innovation, yet also reveal entrepreneurs’ engagement in upskilling and their aspirations for growth. The resulting taxonomy provides an actionable framework for institutional regularization, capacity-building, and support programs, while offering a foundation for local socio-economic development and future research on necessity entrepreneurship.