I have stated the problem statement, the phenomenon and research questions and I need to defend how these questions address the problem statement and phenomenon identified in the problem statement. How might the answers to these research questions inform the problem space?eir businesses based on their ethnicity.

It is not known how minority business owners describe the barriers they face in securing funding for their businesses based on their ethnicity. The phenomenon of minority business funding that is worth investigating today is the persistent disparities in funding between minority$-$owned businesses and non$-$minority$-$owned businesses. Investigating the root causes of these disparities, such as systemic racism, discrimination, and lack of access to networks, is crucial to addressing the issue. Additionally, exploring alternative financing options, government programs and policies, and mentorship and networking opportunities can help promote financial inclusion and support the growth and success of minority$-$owned businesses.

RQ$1$: How do minority business owners describe their interactions with commercial lenders when attempting to secure funding for their business?

RQ$2$ How do minority business owners describe their interactions with private lenders when attempting to secure funding for their business?

RQ$3$: How do minority business owners describe the barriers that their ethnicity or gender add to securing funding for their business?