The objective of this article is to describe the challenges faced by entrepreneurs following the crisis caused by Covid-19 and to show how they were able to manage its effects to protect their businesses. Thus, we used a qualitative approach based on semi-structured interviews with 12 actors in the Tunisian entrepreneurial ecosystem. The data collected is supplemented by information on government policy measures aimed at supporting entrepreneurship. The findings could suggest that if start-ups successfully exploit their available resources as a first response to the crisis, their potential for growth and innovation will be threatened. Therefore, policy measures should not only provide first aid to start-ups by alleviating the pressure caused by limited cash flow, but also involve long-term measures integrated and supported by the wider entrepreneurial ecosystem to ensure a rapid recovery and growth.

Start-ups, crises, entrepreneurial crisis, resilience.