The environmental entrepreneurial intention: what lessons can be drawn to support French nascent entrepreneurs?

Environmental intent is a key concept to examine pro-environmental behaviors. However, in the field of nascent entrepreneurship, few studies examine the environmental entrepreneurial intention of project leaders. To fill this gap, we pay particular attention to the determinants of the environmental entrepreneurial intention of nascent entrepreneurs in France with a view to reduce the impact of their activities on nature. Mobilizing the theory of planned behavior, our empirical investigations with 433 French nascent entrepreneurs show the relevance and predictive robustness of this theory in the study of the environmental entrepreneurial intention of nascent entrepreneurs. We thus contribute to a better understanding of the process of formation of this intention, more particularly in the field of entrepreneurship. In terms of managerial benefits, this research presents contributions aimed to enhance the support of nascent entrepreneurs wishing to integrate environmental practices into the setting up of their entrepreneurial project. Based on the effects of perceived environmental behavioral control and environmental trainings, two areas of progress have been identified around environmental awareness/training and the design of entrepreneurial projects.