DEPARTMENT OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP

This study investigates the role of entrepreneurship education on women's participation in entrepreneurial activities in Edo State, Nigeria. Amid rising unemployment and economic challenges, entrepreneurship has emerged as a viable path to economic empowerment, particularly for women. Despite the integration of entrepreneurship education into Nigeria’s educational system, women’s participation in business remains limited due to socio-cultural,
financial, and structural barriers. This research examines how different forms of entrepreneurship education—formal education, vocational training, business workshops, and mentorship programs—affect women’s entrepreneurial engagement. The study employed a descriptive survey design; with a sample of 400 women entrepreneurs selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. Findings reveal that entrepreneurship education significantly influences women's participation in entrepreneurship, accounting for 53.9% of the variation in their engagement. Formal education and mentorship programs were found to be the most impactful, followed by vocational training and business workshops. However, challenges such as limited access to capital, cultural and gender norms, lack of mentorship, and high market competition continue to hinder women’s full entrepreneurial participation. The study recommends the expansion of gender-sensitive entrepreneurship education, improved access to funding, stronger mentorship networks, and policy reforms to foster a more inclusive entrepreneurial environment for women.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are vital for the development of any economy, and possess great potentials for development of indigenous entrepreneurship, employment, poverty eradication, and so on. The purpose of the study was to explore the impact that SMEs has over the eradication of poverty, fostering growth sustainability of nation's economy. Five research questions were poised for the study and five hypotheses formulated in line of the objectives. The research adopted an exploratory survey design using Edo State Environs as a pilot for the study. The target population composed of SMEs owner around the region but the accessible sample size of 100 SMEs was drawn using Taro Yamane Formula. Close-ended questionnaire were designed and administered to the sampled population. Data was collected and analyzed with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 2021; The Z- test technique were adopted to ascertain the relationship and significance of the variables in the research. The result statistically revealed a negative correlation of Z-test result for the hypotheses of 9.6,8.8,58,3.6 and 3.2 respectively. Implying that SMEs has a contribution to eradication of poverty in Edo State, employment opportunities also aid in eradicating povertyand performance of SMEs has a great impact on eradicating poverty. Furthermore, innovation in terms of ideas, new technology and training of employees provides opportunity for SMEs to thrive. Consequently, all findings above lead to an eradication of poverty within Edo State. The study recommends that businesses should always obtain feedback from customers, their staffs should be trained and re-trained, and government should create a peaceful and conducive environment for businesses to thrive. Furthermore, innovation in terms of ideas, new technology and training of employees provides opportunity for SMEs to thrive. Consequently, all findings above lead to a reduction in poverty within Edo State. The study recommends that businesses should be aware of it roles in eradicating poverty and always seek business growth and mentorship, also government should make enabling and peaceful environment, equally creating system for SMEs to thrive and hit the highest peck of nation's economic growth.

This study examined the role of mobile technology in enhancing the growth of Small and Medium
Enterprises (SMEs) in Benin City, Edo State. In recent years, mobile technology has emerged as a
vital tool for business operations, providing SMEs with improved access to information,
communication, financial services, and market opportunities. The study adopted a descriptive survey
design, and data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to a sample of SME
operators across various sectors in Benin City. The findings revealed that mobile technology
significantly contributes to the operational efficiency, customer engagement, and financial
management of SMEs, It also facilitates seamless communication, mobile banking, digital marketing,
and e-commerce, all of which are crucial for business growth. However, challenges such as poor
internet connectivity, high data costs, and low digital literacy were identified as constraints to
optimal utilization. The study recommends that government and stakeholders invest in digital
infrastructure, provide training programs for SME owners, and create policies that promote
affordable access to mobile services. The study concludes that mobile technology is a
transformative tool that, if effectively harnessed, can drive sustainable growth and competitiveness
of SMEs in Benin City and beyond.

A persistent lack of access to financial services may hinder small enterprises or start-ups from pursuing economic transformation opportunities. This is typical of traditional financial institutions that are reluctant to serve small businesses and start-ups due to perceived high-risk exposure and high failure rates. Hence, financial innovations such as fintech are increasingly leveraged to reduce barriers to capital access for business startups. Fintech offers services and products that meet the financial needs of customers more effectively than traditional banks. End-users adopt fintech services such as mobile money accounts and digital applications for financing, payments, investments, and accessing credit. In order to achieve this, a descriptive survey research design was used in eliciting response gotten from respondents. A structured questionnaire was administered to collect data from all working staffs in all SMEs within Benin City, Edo State. While the sample size was restricted to 360 employed workers. The collected data was analyzed using the simple percentage table. In the findings, it was revealed that fintech adoption has a significant effect on access to finance among SMEs in Nigeria. It was also revealed that fintech adoption has a significant impact on the growth and performance of SMEs in Nigeria. Based on the findings, the study recommends that government agencies and fintech providers should collaborate to implement widespread financial literacy and digital skills training. This will empower users to confidently navigate fintech platforms, improving economic empowerment and financial management.

This research work is conducted on the role of bank of industry in the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The aims and objectives of the study is to analyze the various role played by bank of industry in developing small and medium enterprises as well as the activities of government policies, such as provision of infrastructural facilities provision of local finance facilities, funding of industries and institutions like SSICS, CIRD and FIIRO. The researcher uses the questionnaire and interview method to collect the data from the respondents. The analysis and crossed tabulation of data gathered were done using the mean statistical method with the 1-5 Likert rating scale for proper accuracy in arriving at a dependable decision rule. Lastly the researcher concluded that, the bank of industry was able to maintain its customer because they do welcome whatever kind of financial assistance, therefore, the government should also endeavour to appoint the workers to teach the entrepreneur who does not have the advantage of attending seminar or workshops especially the illiterate ones and keep supervising them in right –

Small-scale businesses have become major drivers of socio-economic change in developing societies of the world, but especially so in Nigeria, where they account for over 90% of businesses in the country and employ a significant part of the labor market. This research explored the role of small- scale businesses as contributors to economic development in Edo State, Nigeria. The objectives were to evaluate how small businesses contribute to employment generation, income generation, industrial development, and economic growth in Edo State. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and data from 347 respondents made up of owners and managers of small-scale businesses across the three senatorial districts of Edo State were collected. Questionnaires' structured format was used to collect data, while descriptive statistics, frequency counts, percentages, and mean scores were employed as tools of data analysis.

The findings of the research confirmed a significant contribution of small-scale businesses to employment generation jobs, which were for skilled and unskilled laborers; thus, a reduction was achieved in the number of unemployed people in the state. The research also revealed that small businesses have significantly enhanced income generation leading to improved standards of living and promoted industrial dependent linkages through adding value and the use of local raw materials, but challenges such as inadequate access to finance, multiple taxation, poor infrastructure, and inconsistent government policies have negatively contributed to optimal performance. In addition, the research showed that government support such as training programs, access to loans, and tax incentives has a positive but limited impact on business sustainability

This study examines the influence of gender culture and entrepreneurship development in Nigeria with the objective of ascertaining the influence of gender culture on entrepreneurship development, the differences between male and female enetrepreneurship development, the extent to which gender equality enhances sustainable development in Nigerian entrepreneurship, Examine the effects of gender bias and culture on the growth of women entrepreneurs in Nigeria. Four research questions were raised to guide the study. This study population was drawn from the Ovia North East Local Government Area in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The study involved 100 participants selected through purposive random sampling from various small and medium enterprises. Data were gathered using questionnaires administered to the sampled respondents. The collected data
were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics, including frequency tables and percentages. The relationship between one independent variable and the dependent variable was tested using the chi-square statistical technique. The findings highlighted that gender, culture, and entrepreneurship development in Nigeria reflect the complex interplay of social, cultural, and economic factors influencing entrepreneurial opportunities and outcomes, particularly for women. Despite facing significant challenges such as gender disparities, cultural norms, and structural barriers, there are promising prospects for fostering gender-inclusive entrepreneurship in the country. Addressing these challenges and leveraging opportunities requires a comprehensive approach that incorporates policy interventions, social support mechanisms, education and training initiatives, and technology-driven solutions. Gender-sensitive policies that enhance women's access to finance, education, and support networks are crucial for creating a level playing field and promoting women's entrepreneurial success

This study examined the impact of ethical finance on the growth of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Edo State, Nigeria focusing on key ethical finance dimensions such as transparency in loan terms, non-interest payment, fair interest rates, and non-discriminatory access to finance. The study adopted a descriptive survey design and collected primary data from 385 SME owners in Benin City, Edo State. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression techniques. The findings revealed that transparency in loan terms, non-interest payment, fair interest rates, and non-discriminatory access to finance each have a significant positive effect on SME growth. The results further indicated that SMEs that engage with financial institutions operating under ethical principles experience
greater access to funding, improved business performance, and sustainable expansion. The study concludes that ethical finance serves as a vital catalyst for inclusive economic development by fostering trust, fairness, and social responsibility in financial practices. It recommends that financial institutions adopt transparent lending policies, ensure fair pricing of credit, and eliminate discriminatory barriers to enhance SME growth and national economic progress.

This study examined the impact of venture capital financing on the performance of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Benin City, with emphasis on growth, profitability, and innovation capacity. The study adopted a survey research design and primary data were collected through the administration of structured questionnaires to 205 SME owners and managers who have received or sought venture capital support. A total of 198 valid responses were retrieved and analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression. The descriptive results revealed that respondents generally perceive venture capital financing as
a catalyst for business expansion, increased revenue, operational efficiency, and enhanced innovative capability. The inferential analysis further confirmed these perceptions. The regression results showed that venture capital financing has a significant positive effect on SME growth ,profitability, and innovation indicating that venture capital financing explains 67.9% of the variation in SME performance. The findings reveal that venture capital financing significantly contributes to the growth and competitiveness of SMEs by providing not only financial support but also managerial expertise, mentorship, and access to networks. However,
challenges such as limited awareness, inadequate regulatory frameworks, and high investment risks hinder the full realization of venture capital’s potential. In Benin, however, the venture capital market remains underdeveloped due to regulatory bottlenecks, low investor confidence, and limited awareness among entrepreneurs. The study concludes that venture capital financing plays a strategic role in improving SME performance in Benin City by fostering growth, increasing financial outcomes, and encouraging
innovation. It recommends that government and private sector stakeholders enhance access to venture capital through policy support, investment incentives, and awareness programmers, in order to strengthen SME development and economic sustainability and also strengthening Nigeria’s venture capital framework is essential for unlocking the full potential of SMEs in driving sustainable economic growth and competitiveness.

Small-scale enterprises (SSEs) play a crucial role in economic development, job creation, and poverty alleviation. However, they often face significant financial challenges that threaten their survival and growth. This study examines the financial difficulties encountered by SSEs, including limited access to credit, high operational costs, poor financial management, and economic instability. It also explores the survival strategies adopted by these businesses, such as bootstrapping, strategic partnerships, cost-cutting measures, and diversification. Using a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, the research analyzes data from small business owners to understand their financial constraints and adaptive strategies. The findings highlight the importance of financial literacy, government support, and innovative financing options in enhancing SSE resilience. The study provides valuable insights for entrepreneurs, policymakers, and financial institutions on fostering a more sustainable environment for small- scale businesses.