Work

Entrepreneurship among veterans: Comparative evidence from recent surveys

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: The large literature on the correlates of entrepreneurship pays little attention to America's military Veterans. We leverage two national surveys with rich demographic and behavioral data to estimate how military experience relates to entrepreneurship and financial success. After accounting for demographic differences, Veterans are less likely to become entrepreneurs than their peers. Veteran entrepreneurs also earn less and have lower financial satisfaction. These results contradict the common narrative and theoretical expectation that average military experience imparts human capital that prepares Veterans for entrepreneurship. We also find that female, Black, and more educated Veterans are relatively more likely to pursue entrepreneurship.

Source: International Small Business Journal Researching Entrepreneurship

DOI: 10.1177/02662426241278216

Authors: Aaron Phipps, William Skimmyhorn

Institutions: William & Mary, United States Military Academy

Language: English

Topic: Entrepreneurship Studies and Influences

Subfield: Management of Technology and Innovation

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: green

Funder: Virginia Department of Veterans Services