Abstract
Although Black women launched an estimated 2.08 million businesses in 2023 (accounting for 14.8% of all women-owned firms), they remain significantly underrepresented among high-growth, well-capitalized enterprises. This paradox highlights the need for deeper examination of the structural and social factors that shape their entrepreneurial experiences and outcomes. Using an exploratory sequential mixed-methods approach, this study examined how network structure, networking behaviors, personal motivations, and social contexts influence entrepreneurial success among Black women founders. The qualitative phase revealed how faith, emotional labor, social isolation, and cultural values shaped participants’ definitions of success and approaches to entrepreneurship. Founders emphasized purpose, healing, and service over profit maximization, and highlighted the importance of relational, emotional, and technical support in navigating systemic barriers. These insights informed a national survey where quantitative findings showed that among Black women, diverse networking behaviors (particularly those enhancing visibility and developing community) were positively associated with both personal and financial outcomes, with mediation models confirming the importance of resources like social support, cultural recognition, resilience, and strategic acumen. Together, results illustrate the complex interplay of identity, strategy, and structure in shaping the entrepreneurial trajectories of Black women. Integration of both phases revealed that motivation alone was insufficient to drive entrepreneurial success. Structural supports, relational dynamics, and the presence of inclusive, non-performative ecosystem strategies significantly influenced outcomes. Emerging insights point to the need for tools, policy interventions, and network-based solutions that support Black women founders across their multifaceted roles—as entrepreneurs, mothers, community leaders, and agents of cultural and economic change.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
African American businesspeople; Businesswomen—United States; African American women—Social conditions; Business networks—United States; Entrepreneurship—United States
Date of Award
2025
School Affiliation
Graziadio Business School
Department/Program
Business
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctorate
Faculty Advisor
Cristina B. Gibson
Recommended Citation
Price, DeJuan Erica, "She works hard for the money: Black women entrepreneurs, business networks, and entrepreneurial success" (2025). Theses and Dissertations. 1646.
https://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/etd/1646