Date of Conferral

2015

Degree

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

School

Management

Advisor

Romuel Nafarrete

Abstract

Small business failure rates equate to 30% within 2 years and 50% after 5 years. The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore the strategies that veteran-owned small businesses used to sustain a business beyond 5 years in central Florida. Using a purposeful sampling technique, 13 central Florida veteran small business owners consented to interviews about their operating processes. Analysis of the veteran-owner managerial practices revealed common nodes and themes regarding small business longevity factors. Based on constant comparison coding, 4 small business themes emerged: business operating practices, market research, business adversities, and external small business assistance avenues. The experiences of veteran small business owners emulated the general systems theory and the triple-loop learning theory in identifying, organizing, and initiating process changes for small business operational permanence. This study has social change implications for aspiring veteran small business owners: Successful veteran entrepreneurship can promote positive social values, stakeholder satisfaction, and employment opportunities by exploring small business operating strategies, conducting market analysis, overcoming adversities, and petitioning external small business veteran programs.

Included in

Business Commons

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