| This project is a research study on American Indian entrepreneurs in North Carolina. A review of the literature indicated there is a gap in academic scholarly work concerning American Indian entrepreneurs. Therefore, this qualitative study was conducted with American Indian entrepreneurs who reside in North Carolina. Since entrepreneurs come in a variety of forms and differ by ethnicity, age, gender, and socioeconomic status, it would seem that the motivational factors for their entrepreneurial drive would be different as well. As a result, the primary objective of this study was to explore the factors that motivate American Indians to become entrepreneurs and then to analyze the success strategies they utilize to build sustainable ventures. Overwhelmingly, the motivating factor most frequently cited by the participants was personal drive. Additionally, the results of this study indicated that American Indian entrepreneurs define success differently than the mainstream corporate world. Additionally, the findings indicated that American Indian entrepreneurs utilize the success strategies of knowledge, innovation, communication, and persistence. However, the strategy most cited by the participants as being the most influential strategy on their entrepreneurial career was spirituality. As a result of this study, American Indian entrepreneurs will gain knowledge and understanding of the motivating factors and success strategies utilized by other American Indian entrepreneurs to build sustainable ventures. |
