Title | The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Business Ownership Across Racial/Ethnic Groups and Gender. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2022 |
Authors | Choi, SL, Harrell, ER, Watkins, K |
Journal | Journal of Economics, Race, and Policy |
Volume | 5 |
Issue | 4 |
Pagination | 307-317 |
ISSN Number | 2520-842X |
Keywords | COVID-19, Entrepreneurship, gender, Race/ethnicity |
Abstract | This study examined the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on US older entrepreneurs' businesses using the Health and Retirement Study. We estimated logistic regression models to document the odds of experiencing economic impact. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected nearly 76% of US older entrepreneurs but has disproportionately impacted the businesses of Black, Hispanic, Asian/other races, and women entrepreneurs. Older Black entrepreneurs had significantly higher odds of facing business closure (OR = 2.31, < .01), implementing new procedures (OR = 2.44, < .01), workers quitting (OR = 2.95, < .001), and difficulty paying regular bills (OR = 2.88, < .001) than their White counterparts. Older Hispanic entrepreneurs also had significantly higher odds of instituting new procedures (OR = 2.27, < .05), workers quitting (OR = 2.26, < .01), and difficulty paying regular bills (OR = 2.35, < .01) than their White counterparts. Similarly, older Asian/other races entrepreneurs were significantly more likely to report difficulty paying regular bills since the start of the pandemic than their White counterparts (OR = 3.11, < .01). Women entrepreneurs were significantly more likely to close their businesses than their male counterparts (OR = 2.11, < .001). These significant associations persisted after controlling for confounders. Support for underserved racial/ethnic groups and older women entrepreneurs should focus on accessibility to financial services, capital, and support packages as well as legislative support for ensuring business continuity and success. |
DOI | 10.1007/s41996-022-00102-y |
Citation Key | 12455 |
PubMed ID | 35647487 |
PubMed Central ID | PMC9130970 |