Authors: Rosalinda Maury, M.S. | Mirza Tihic, Ph.D. | Ruohan Feng
This brief provides highlights from the 2021 National Survey of Military-Affiliated Entrepreneurs (NSMAE) focusing on Black and African American veteran entrepreneurs. These findings are based on data collected from 327 Black and African American veteran entrepreneurs, which represents 21% of the respondents that answered the race/ethnicity question of the 2021 survey. This annual survey monitors trends in the activity, needs, as well as the economic, social, and policy barrier of military affiliated entrepreneurs in the United States. These findings will be an enduring source of current insights for public and private sector leaders, policymakers, and community-based organizations on systemic barriers to and drivers of entrepreneurial success among Black and African American veterans and their family members.
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To learn more about this study and other briefs, publications, and presentations view the NSMAE Series.
A Few Key Takeaways
Entrepreneurship Characteristics
Top Motivations to Entrepreneurship are:
- The opportunity to be financially independent
- Maintain personal freedom
- Personal belief / faith
Transition
Business Characteristics
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
*57% of those that applied for funding were turned down (compared to 29% White/Anglo/Caucasian counterparts)