Entrepreneurs may not want to share some information. Take the time to understand the context of the concern, fear, or hesitancy. Consider the diversity of your own team, who are collecting the data from entrepreneurs, and how you can ensure it is done in a respectful and sensitive way. Ensure that you are communicating clearly and transparently with entrepreneurs about why you are collecting this data and what it will be used for. 

Wherever possible, representatives of diverse groups should be involved as active participants and decision-makers at every stage of the data collection process. This may require providing capacity building, training, or committee recruitment to those wishing to take part in data collection. For example, an ESO might create a project consultative or advisory committee with local people with disabilities and/or work with a local Disabled Peoples’ Organisation as a mechanism to support representation in the data collection process.

Take into account the factors that could impede data collection and have alternative plans and support ready. Factors such as digital literacy and skills, disability, gender, and access to the internet can affect how (and to what degree) an entrepreneur can fully participate in data collection methods.

Consider whether surveys, interviews, or other data collection methods may be intimidating or if there are other power imbalances that may make people uncomfortable or respond inaccurately. Are interviewees responding positively because they think it is what you want to hear? Are you conducting interviews in the local language and creating a safe space for honest feedback?

Sex-disaggregated data tells a story of how people identifying as men, women, non-binary, or other sex or genders are impacted (positively or negatively) by an ESO’s programs. 

This can be particularly useful when considering metrics such as ‘jobs created’ by a business. Are women accessing employment opportunities to the same extent as men? Are they more or less likely to be full-time, equally paid jobs?  

Failing to disaggregate project data can have negative consequences. For example, failing to recognise gaps in participation or outcomes for specific groups of people can perpetuate or further contribute to existing societal inequalities.

Additional considerations such as religion, disability, and ethnicity as well as other factors can provide deeper insight into who is being impacted by an ESO’s work and how.

Ensure confidentiality of data through internal policies, secure databases, and controls. Communicate this with your team internally and with entrepreneurs externally. Do not collect data from entrepreneurs unless they fully understand and consent to providing this data. Consider why entrepreneurs may be hesitant to provide some data and what you can do to assure them that their information will be kept safe and confidential. 

Consider how best to protect Personally Identifiable Information (PII), which can potentially identify an individual either by itself or when combined with other information linked or linkable to them. Simple demographic information can be PII, especially in smaller communities in which minority groups may face stigmatisation. ESOs need a plan to protect the privacy and confidentiality of individuals who provide them with information. Accordingly, ESOs should think about developing a data management plan to support data privacy and confidentiality.

Consider the path to inclusive data collection as an ongoing journey. Repeated cycles of learning, adapting, improving, and taking action will strengthen ESOs and refine inclusive data collection approaches. An ESO must foster an atmosphere of acceptance, inquiry, and learning.

Ethics in research and data collection increasingly recognises that the rights and interests of subjects must be primary. The principal aim is to ensure that the subjects of research are protected from harm that might result from their participation in the research. Before engaging in data collection with a view to inclusivity, an ESO must recognise the potential negative effects of data collection and engagement with marginalised groups. Take every measure to mitigate the negative effects of your actions, not only to target respondents but also the wider community environment.

Close the loop on data collection by sharing key findings and lessons with the people you have collected data from. Rather than only reporting to your own organisation, board, and funding partners, report back to the key stakeholders: entrepreneurs and businesses you have engaged with in the data collection process. Remember that they have contributed their time and valuable information for the purpose of your organisation’s learning. Make sure that is not the first and only time they hear from you.