A Pilot Study of Minority, Beginning, and Young Logging Business Owners in the Carolinas and Surrounding States, USA

• DOI: 10.1093/jofore/fvae021
• Publication Date: 2024-08-30T15:41:44Z
• Authors: Shubhechchha Khadka; Patrick Hiesl; Nilesh Timilsina; Donald L Hagan; Joseph L Conrad
• Keywords: 0502 economics and business; 05 social sciences

Abstract The logging industry in the United States faces a demographic shift with aging owners and decline intergenerational business transfers. This pilot study explores potential for new businesses led by minority groups, beginning loggers, young entrepreneurs southeastern States. Interviews nine minority, beginning, (MBY) four forestry/logging associations uncovered challenges, including high startup costs, limited access to financing funds, difficulty hiring skilled workers, low profit margins, lack of established professional networks. These MBY loggers are well educated exhibit productive businesses, an average investment between $100,000 $499,999. Proposed solutions help more get started encompass government grants, low-interest loans, marketing initiatives, legislative measures. Results limited, this serves as first glimpse into owners’ challenges; additional attention is needed population owners. Study Implications: Understanding present status challenges faced instrumental industry, trend transfer declining. study’s results suggest that support from forest products government, such strategic marketing, can enhance sustainability businesses. measures, coupled support, could address immediate lay groundwork fostering resilient industry.