Date of Conferral
4-30-2025
Date of Award
April 2025
Degree
Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.)
School
Business Administration
Advisor
Inez Black
Abstract
Small business failures have a detrimental effect on both business owners and the communities they support. Small business owners are especially concerned with ensuring the sustainability of their enterprises beyond the first five years—a pivotal milestone for long-term success. Grounded in transformational leadership theory, the purpose of this qualitative pragmatic inquiry was to explore sustainability strategies business owners use to remain operable beyond 5 years. The participants were six business owners of small businesses located in the Midwest of the United States who have operated successfully beyond 5 years. Data were collected using semistructured interviews, Small Business Administration (SBA) data, economic census, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) correspondence, and the state online business database. Through thematic analysis, five themes were identified: (a) strategic planning, (b) market demands, (c) excellent customer service, (d) niche markets, and (e) financial challenges. A key recommendation is for small business leaders to seek financial education through training programs, workshops, or mentorship to enhance their understanding of financial statements, budgeting, and forecasting. The implications for positive social change include helping entrepreneurs and policymakers develop strategies to improve business sustainability, thereby supporting economic growth, job creation, and community stability.
Recommended Citation
Moore, Ashly, "Strategies to Sustain Small Business Beyond 5 Years" (2025). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 17673.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/17673
