Keele Research Repository

This paper shows that the COVID-19 pandemic exposed informal institutional voids that exist for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) business owners in the United Kingdom. Based on a primary database of surveys and semi-structured interviews, the results show that many BAME SME owners encountered informal institutional voids that White SME owners did not face during the pandemic. The paper also shows how these BAME SME owners created value amid these institutional voids and how they can continue to do so. The paper concludes by suggesting that bridging these voids is crucial for promoting a more inclusive environment where ethnic and non-ethnic entrepreneurs can succeed. It also presents policy implications and offers directions for future research.