ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Social media has emerged as one of the most transformative forces shaping the landscape of entrepreneurship in the contemporary digital economy. Between 1997 and 2024, the rapid evolution of internet-based platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, YouTube, and TikTok has redefined how businesses are created, managed, marketed, and scaled globally. This study examines the relationship between social media and digital entrepreneurship over this period, with emphasis on how digital platforms have influenced entrepreneurial development, business innovation, customer engagement, and market expansion. The study adopts a qualitative research approach, relying on secondary sources such as scholarly journals, textbooks, policy reports, and credible online publications. It traces the historical development of social media from early online networking systems to modern algorithm-driven platforms that support real-time communication, targeted advertising, and data-driven decision-making. The research explores how entrepreneurs leverage social media tools for branding, digital marketing, product promotion, customer relationship management, and e-commerce transactions. Findings from the study indicate that social media has significantly lowered the barriers to entry for entrepreneurship by reducing startup and marketing costs while increasing access to global audiences. It has also enhanced innovation by enabling entrepreneurs to test ideas quickly, gather feedback, and adapt to market demands in real time. However, the study also identifies key challenges such as cyber insecurity, online fraud, misinformation, algorithm dependency, and intense market competition, which may hinder sustainable business growth. The study concludes that social media is a critical driver of digital entrepreneurship in the 21st century, reshaping traditional business models and creating new economic opportunities. It recommends that entrepreneurs develop digital literacy skills, adopt strategic online engagement practices, and implement cybersecurity measures to maximize the benefits of social media while minimizing its risks.

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