Date of Conferral

2020

Degree

Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.)

School

Business Administration

Advisor

Lisa Cave

Abstract

Minority small businesses play a significant role in the development of the United States economy. Minority small business owners who do not implement successful and sustainable strategies are at a high risk of failure. Grounded in entrepreneurship theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore strategies that minority small business owners used to sustain their business beyond 5 years of beginning operations. The participants included 3 minority small business owners in Alexandria, Virginia, who have been in business for 5 years. Data were collected from semi-structured interviews, field notes, company websites, and financial, marketing, strategy, and government documents. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data, and 4 themes emerged: financial capital resources, marketing and differentiation strategy, great customer service, and education and experience. Minority small business owners can sustain their businesses if they equip themselves with strategies for obtaining financial capital, marketing and differentiation, customer service, and education and experience. The implications for positive social change include the potential for minority small business owners to create job opportunities, establish economic prosperity, and improve local community services through donations and contributions to the local tax authorities.

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