Respond to post 2

Please respond to the following:

  Based on my understanding of qualitative research, the topic I choose to pursue in terms of how it could be conceptualized as a qualitative study include:

1. What is the phenomenon of interest?

The study of interest aims to explore the relationship between self-efficacy of African American women small business owners and the growth of the business as a result of participating and completing an entrepreneurial education program.

1. What experiences or contextual issues might influence how this phenomenon could be studied?

            The contextual issues that might influence how this research could be studied include: the different methodologies and the rigor at different levels of the study, timing of interviews might be hindered due to participant’s availability, and participants ability to complete the self-efficacy at the beginning or completion of the program during the time frame of the research. 

1. In what setting(s) could a topic like this be explored?

This research will be conducted by observing entrepreneurs in a classroom and individually.

1. What connection do you have to this topic, and why do you think it is important to explore this as a qualitative study?

As the Education Services director of an entrepreneurial education program in New York City, I am responsible for overseeing and implementing a curriculum that aims to help small businesses grow. The National Women’s Business Council (2012) reported that there are 1,521,494 African American women-owned businesses in the United States. However, 97.5 % of these businesses are sole proprietorship, with one employee. The goal of the nine-month entrepreneurial program is to help entrepreneurs create jobs and economic opportunity by providing greater access to education, capital and business support services. Many of the African American women-owned small businesses that have completed have shown potential for growth, and I would like to explore further the impact the program has had on their self-efficacy since completing the program. All program participants take a self-efficacy assessment prior to and upon completing the program. With the data from the assessments and interviews from program participants while in the program will help me to delve to determine the true value of the program and the impact it has on African American women-owned small businesses.

1. What possibilities could the results of this research have for social change?

      The results of this research will have an impact on the economy through increased revenues, job creation, and community development.

ReReferences

NaNational Women’s Business Council (2012). Fact sheet: Black women-owned business [Fact Sheet].

Retrieved from: https://www.nwbc.gov/sites/default/files/Black%20Women%20Entrepreneurs.pdf