The Business Creation Process in Tourism: multiple case study in travel agencies in Curitiba, Paraná

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze the business creation process identifying the stagesof initiation, preparation, start up and consolidation in four travel agencies located inCuritiba, Paraná. Borges, Simard and Filion (2005) model of four periods was adopted astheoretical framework. The research method adopted was multiple case study and evidences were collected through semi-structuralized personal interviews with entrepreneurs. It wasobserved that businesses were initiated informally and entrepreneurs do not have informationabout the sector. In the business preparation stage it was evidenced that, although thegratuitous support offered by SEBRAE, entrepreneurs initiated their enterprises withoutdeveloping a business plan. The business consolidation was the most difficult stage for all theentrepreneurs because they had to deal with seasonality problems and difficulties to managecash flow between high and low season. Moreover, the entrepreneurs point great difficulty inconciliating personal life and business. However, despite these problems, they affirmed that iscompensating to be an entrepreneur, as a result of the financial return and personalsatisfaction.