Date of Conferral

2-15-2024

Date of Award

February 2024

Degree

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

School

Management

Advisor

Irene Williams

Abstract

African American male U.S. military veterans struggle with transitioning from military to civilian life; however, engaging in entrepreneurship can ease this integration. Grounded in the Schlossberg 4-S model, the purpose of this qualitative pragmatic inquiry was to explore the experiences of four veterans and one active-duty member in their transition from military to entrepreneurial practices. Data were collected from semi-structured interviews. The thematic analysis was used to identify eight themes: (a) challenges encountered in entrepreneurship, (b) minimal external financial assistance used, (c) multiple paths to entrepreneurial education, (d) strategies for entrepreneurial success, (e) adapting to COVID-19 challenges, (f) diverse marketing practices used, (g) entrepreneurial tools and strategies among African American male U.S. military veterans, and (h) setbacks in entrepreneurship. A key recommendation is for military veteran entrepreneurs to explore alternative growth strategies. The implications for positive social change include the potential for African American male U.S. military veterans to use entrepreneurship to integrate successfully after military service. Findings may be used to inform policymakers, educators, and support organizations to enhance support structures for African American male U.S. military veterans, facilitating their successful transition to civilian entrepreneurship.

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