This study aims to use the Timmons model to identify the pattern of entrepreneurial activity at micro‐level in China.
The paper employs a self‐administered questionnaire survey approach, involving a sample of MBA students and general public in China.
The analysis suggests that personality characteristics, cultural environment and economic environment are external factors influencing new venture creation.
The findings of this study suggest that supportive cultural environment and economic environment is more important for MBA entrepreneurs than for general public to encourage the former to start new businesses as they bear higher entrepreneurial opportunity cost.
The paper extends the macro approach of the GEM China Report to examine entrepreneurial activity in China at micro‐level.
