Effectiveness of Mentoring Programs for African American Business Owners

This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of 20 African American business owners regarding contribution of mentoring programs to maintaining a sustainable business operation. The research study was grounded upon social network and social penetration theories relating to formal and informal mentoring relationships. African American small business owners in the southeast United States were interviewed, and the data from the interviews were coded and analyzed to discern themes or patterns. Fifteen themes emerged from the study suggesting mentoring could provide African American business owners with viable information and solutions about the business ownership challenges. Two important themes were (a) mentoring is viewed as an ongoing support line for the new business owner to keep the business sustainable and growing; and (b) mentoring is only effective if mentors have a sustaining commitment for long-term relationships. Implications for positive social change include the use of mentoring to enhance business success through the sharing of experiences, ideas, business techniques and knowledge, which can enhance individual and community economic development.