THE STUDY OF THE PERFORMANCE OF SMALL SCALE ENTERPRISES IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT; EVIDENCE FROM ANAMBRA SOUTH SENATORIAL ZONE, ANAMBRA STATE

THE STUDY OF THE PERFORMANCE OF SMALL SCALE ENTERPRISES IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT; EVIDENCE FROM ANAMBRA SOUTH SENATORIAL ZONE, ANAMBRA STATE

ENTREPRENEURIAL PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS

Abstract

This study examines an appraisal of performance of small scale enterprises in community development; evidence from Anambra south senatorial zone, Anambra state. Specifically the study provides the reasons for going into SMEs; sources of financing SMEs; role of SMEs in community development and factors militating against SMEs in community development. The researchers distributed 143 questionnaires to the respondents that make up the sample size. The research questions were answered using mean rating under the modified four-point likert scale.Result of the investigation reveals that SMEs play the following role in community development: Generation of employment; Service provision; Improve living standards and poverty alleviation. Consequently this study therefore recommends that: government should re-introduce the small business credit scheme so that beneficiaries can use them to run the micro, small and medium enterprises; government, chamber of commerce and other non-governmental organization should regularly organize seminars for potential and actual small and medium enterprise operators where they should be educated on how to plan, organize, direct and control their businesses there should also be a re-introduction of soft loans for small and medium business by the government and financial institution to enhance the performance of SMEs in community development.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background Of The Study

SMEs have been discovered to be a key driver for a country’s economic growth (Schmiemann, 2009) hence, SMEs cannot be overlooked in the economic development of any country. Okongwu (2001) argues that SMEs are recognized as the main source of economic growth and a major factor in promoting private sector development and partnership, in developed and developing countries. SMEs help to create employment and are often seen as very important for the growth and innovation of dynamic economies (Mutula and Brakel, 2006). Therefore, economic growth and development in Africa can be achieved through the emergence of strong SMEs, which will later grow to become major players in the developing economy. SMEs help to diversify economic activities that have significant contributions to imports and exports, they are flexible and can adapt quickly to changing market demands (Ongori, 2009). Thus, SMEs contribute more and more to the national and international economies of the world.

According to Wattanapruttipaisan (2003), the significance of SMEs for growth, productivity and competitiveness of the economies in both developed and developing countries is acknowledged universally, since SMEs bring about substantial local capital formation, contribute to improved living standards and achieve high levels of productivity. SMEs are identified as a major means of achieving equitable and sustainable industrial diversification…….

THE STUDY OF THE PERFORMANCE OF SMALL SCALE ENTERPRISES IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT; EVIDENCE FROM ANAMBRA SOUTH SENATORIAL ZONE, ANAMBRA STATE