It has long been understood that the wellbeing of the U. S. economy is dependent on the success of small business firms. The majority of minority business owners (MBOs) are failing within a year of initial startup. Of the small businesses that do succeed, only five percent are MBOs. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore and identify the strategies that had proven to be efficacious for minority business owners (MBOs). Empirical evidence showed 80% of all business do not survive beyond the first year. For this study, 10 successful minority business owners volunteered to participate in this case study to share their lived experiences operating in the NCR of Washington D.C. The use of a qualitative approach facilitated gaining insight through face-to-face recorded interviews, transcribed notes, and observations. The industries represented were information technology, jewelry, construction, cosmetology, management, cleaning services, and real-estate. Based on their responses the following key results were identified: 1 (RQ1) indicated seven of the MBOs reported economic freedom was how they defined success. The results were found to be consistent regardless of the industry. In regards to RQ2 as it pertains to operational strategies, the MBO's unanimously stated their past experiences were key to how they ran their businesses. Evaluation of the data generated with respect to research question 3 (RQ3) indicated MBO's felt the most critical strategies to share were having cost controls and managing expenses. Other themes considered to be key operating success strategies included (a) knowing the direction of your business, (b) finding the opportunity first, (c) focusing on your strengths, (d) understanding all aspects of your business, and (e) understanding your operating environment. Regarding RQ3 as it relates to mentorship, all 10 MBO's felt having a business consultant was paramount. The reasoning was it helped to prevent making costly mistakes, provided additional resources through networks, and afforded one-on-one targeted coaching to improve operations. Further qualitative research is recommended to expound on the findings of this study. With a Focus on other MBOs operating in different regions of the U.S. the finding may add to the literature.
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