Abstract

This study delved into challenges confronting minority-owned business leaders in Washington State’s Puget Sound region. Employing a descriptive phenomenological method, it explored diverse experiences spanning ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. Key findings highlight the necessity of resources like mentorship, concerns about state policies favoring larger corporations, and the ongoing assessment of diversity initiatives. While acknowledging discrimination, few participants disclosed direct experiences. Through in-depth analysis, the study unveiled systemic barriers and cultural influences impacting business strategies. It offers insights for policymaking, business support, and future research, advocating for an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem and equitable opportunities for minority entrepreneurs within and beyond the region.

Keywords: Minority, Business Leaders, Business Strategies, Diversity, Inclusion, Entrepreneurial