Document Type
Research Brief
Date
12-1-2025
Keywords
Veteran entrepreneurs, Racial wealth gap, Underrepresented minority (URM), Credit access, Financial sustainability, Equity in entrepreneurship, Intersectionality, Policy solutions, briefs
Language
Eng
Disciplines
Military and Veterans Studies
Description/Abstract
Despite military service providing valuable leadership skills and discipline, underrepresented racial minority (URM) veteran entrepreneurs face significant barriers to financial sustainability and business growth. Our analysis of 1,859 veteran entrepreneurs reveals that Black veterans experience lower financial sustainability compared to White veterans, while women URM veterans are more likely to be denied credit. These disparities persist even after accounting for military service and rank, highlighting the need for targeted policy interventions. This brief recommends three evidence-based strategies: reforming credit assessment practices, establishing dedicated funding programs for URM veteran entrepreneurs, and creating mentorship networks that address intersectional challenges. Implementing these policies could help unlock the economic potential of the 240,000+ URM veteran-owned businesses in the United States.
Recommended Citation
Newman, Arielle Badger; Mercado, Mauricio; Gomez, Ashley; and Maury, Rosalinda, "Addressing the Wealth Gap: Supporting URM Veteran Entrepreneurs Through Evidence-Based Policy" (2025). The Lender Center for Social Justice. 99.
https://surface.syr.edu/lender/99
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
