This brief provides highlights from the 2020 National Survey of Military-Affiliated Entrepreneurs study focusing on Black and African American veteran entrepreneurs. These findings are based on the data collected from 333 Black and African American veteran entrepreneurs, which represents 21% of the respondents that answered the race/ethnicity question of the 2020 survey. This study monitors trends in the activity, needs, and economic, social, and policy barriers of military-affiliated entrepreneurs in the United States.

Some of the key highlights:

• 49% of Black Veteran Entrepreneurs were turned down by a creditor or lender when seeking funding in 2019
• 44% of business debt of Black Veteran Entrepreneurs is on credit cards
• 34% of Black Veteran lack mentors for their business

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The IVMF National Survey of Military-Affiliated Entrepreneurs monitors trends in the activity, needs, and economic, social, and policy barriers of military-affiliated entrepreneurs in the United States. In its inaugural year, the intent was to draw from a cross-sectional sample of over 2,500 veteran entrepreneurs. Future surveys will also track trends and pressing issues. For example, in 2020 the survey was updated to focus on such COVID-19. All NSMAE surveys and forthcoming public datasets will be an enduring source of current insights for public and private sector leaders, policymakers, and community-based organization on systemic barriers to and drivers of entrepreneurial success among veterans and their family members.

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This report is the result of the first year of data collection from our National Survey of Military-Affiliated Entrepreneurs – a multi-year, annual and longitudinal study of veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs. Overall, the findings from this report corroborate previous research asserting there is a noteworthy relationship between military service and entrepreneurship. Veteran entrepreneurs are motivated to be independent, creative, innovative, and to serve society and support their communities. On the other hand, they experience an array of barriers to include access to capital, difficulty navigating resources, certification process hurdles, and lack  assistance from medical and disability service providers. This study reveals success or failure does not depend on one, but rather on multiple factors related to barriers and challenges veteran entrepreneurs experience.

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