What are the conditions under which resources embedded in the social networks of entrepreneurs can be accessed and mobilized in purposive action? We interviewed a sample of 10 native Dutch and 22 immigrant entrepreneurs in the Netherlands. Trust was an important facilitator of social support from so-called ‘strong ties’ and proved effective in maintaining already established relations with ‘weak ties’. Accessing social support through weak ties, however, appeared more difficult due to distrust and discrimination. This applied particularly to immigrant entrepreneurs working in a neighborhood with a low concentration of immigrants: a context making ethnicity more salient. In this context distrust and discrimination coincided with problematic access to Dutch clientele and less collaboration with Dutch businessmen.