@article{Goreham:51201,
      recid = {51201},
      author = {Goreham, Gary A. and Rathge, Richard W.},
      title = {Native American Entrepreneurs in North Dakota},
      address = {1991-10},
      number = {1188-2016-94023},
      series = {Agricultural Economics Miscellaneous Report},
      pages = {41},
      year = {1991},
      abstract = {This report is an analysis of themes that emerged from  interviews with 21 Native American entrepreneurs who live  on North Dakota Indian reservations. The purpose of the  study was to determine factors associated with  entrepreneurial success on these reservations. A review of  the data led to the following highlights: Most of the  entrepreneurs credited their parents with having the  greatest amount of influence on them, their values, and  their entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurial qualities they  learned from their parents included (1) how to work and the  value of work, (2) the value of money, (3 self-esteem, and  (4) parental involvement in training. The enterprises  started by the entrepreneurs were, for the most part,  "family businesses," which supported their families and  used their families' labor. Ninety percent of the  entrepreneurs completed high school, and over 75 percent of  them had post-high school education. Vocational training  programs were particularly important to them. Practical,  work-related skills and business-related course work were  seen as most relevant to their entrepreneurship. From  previous employment, they learned human relations skills,  responsibility, and job-related skills that were useful in  creating their own businesses. Reasons for beginning an  enterprise included (1) personal interest or potential for  profit, (2) encouragement from friends and family, (3)  previous work experience, (4) a desire to "be one's own  boss," and (5) a desire to help other Native American  people. The entrepreneurs defined success in several ways:  (1) sufficient income, (2) a sense of independence,  freedom, and control, (3) ability to expand or improve  their business, (4) happiness, and (5) making a  contribution to the community, particularly the Native  American community. Factors associated with entrepreneurial  success included (1) good customer relations, (2) good  employee relations, (3) quality products, (4) experience in  business, (5) hard work and commitment, and (6) family and  community support. Special talents successful Native  American entrepreneurs claimed were (1) knowledge,  experience, and managerial skills, (2) hard work, (3)  aggressive business attitudes, and (4) human relations  skills. One-half of the Native American entrepreneurs  financed their enterprises from their own assets. Others  relied on commercial loans or Small Business Administration  or Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) loans. Technical  assistance was provided by family, the tribe, wholesalers,  and various professionals and public agencies. Difficulties  faced by Native American Entrepreneurs were (1) receipt of  credit, (2) lack of support from the community, (3) issues  pertaining to business management, and (4) issues  pertaining to reservation culture. Benefits available to  the entrepreneurs included (1) BIA loans, (2) respect from  other Native American people, and (3) business contacts.},
      url = {http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/record/51201},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.22004/ag.econ.51201},
}