Information needs and information seeking behaviour

The study was an exploratory study to find the information needs and information seeking avenues of first generation entrepreneurs from Pune city, India. They were the ones responsible for setting up the business. The factual data collected gives basic information and is supplemented by stories of the entrepreneurs to provide a richer picture. It was seen that personal networks provide most of the information needed to exploit entrepreneurial opportunities. Family, friends, and business associates were seen as providing valuable information about starting a business and in the running of the business as compared to documentary sources. Entrepreneurs also felt the need for organized information at one place which would help both beginners to set up a business and help others to expand their business.