Current Issue

ENTREPRENEURSHIP CENTERS: A QUALITATIVE STUDY ON THEIR MISSION, VISION, AND SUPPORT SERVICES FOR VETERAN ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN THE UNITED STATES

Nawras Taffal, MPA

Urban Leadership and Entrepreneurship

University of the District of Columbia

Washington DC, USA

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Sergey Ivanov, Ph.D.

School of Business and Public Administration

University of the District of Columbia

Washington DC, USA

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Alex Maritz, Ph.D.

La Trobe Business School

La Trobe University

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

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J. Ndumbe Anyu, Ph.D.

School of Business and Public Administration

University of the District of Columbia

Washington DC, USA

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Abstract

This research evaluates how Entrepreneurship Centers (EC) function within veteran friendly Higher Educational Institutions (HEI) located in the United States (US) capital. It includes all 17 HEIs in Washington, DC.  The region stands out because of its veteran population and unique combination of federal agencies, policymakers, HEIs and veteran support organizations. The study focuses on evaluating ECs' educational quality and effectiveness for veteran entrepreneurship promotion as well as determining their added value and impact on entrepreneurship initiatives. Content analysis was used to evaluate the operation of ECs in veteran friendly HEI systems through their mission and vision statements and their programs that support inclusion and entrepreneurial opportunities for veterans. Data collection and analysis involves initial reading followed by open coding and thematic analysis of information from the university's website including ECs website and US Department of Education data. The research findings show that certain ECs at veteran friendly HEIs in Washington, DC offer comprehensive veteran support through programs that combine mentoring with financial assistance. Several ECs show minimal interest with little direct connection to veteran welfare.

Key words: Entrepreneurship Centers, Veteran Entrepreneurship, Higher Education, Qualitative Study, Thematic Analysis, Support Programs, Inclusive Education.