Role of Enterprise Support Organizations (ESOS) in the Growth and Sustainability of MSMEs in Nigeria (Published)
This study examined the roles of Enterprise Support Organisations (ESOs) in the growth and sustainability of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria. The study was conducted in Lagos State, Abuja FCT, Abia State and Rivers State, with the aim of assessing the major roles played by ESOs and determining the effect of ESO support on MSME growth and sustainability. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 371 respondents, comprising MSME owners/managers, ESO personnel, programme facilitators and industry stakeholders. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires and interview guides and analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The findings showed that ESO participation strengthened the managerial capabilities of MSMEs, with a mean score of 3.63; encouraged business innovation (3.52); expanded professional networks (3.47); strengthened long-term business sustainability (3.44); and improved market access (3.40). All the mean scores exceeded the 3.0 decision benchmark, indicating that respondents generally agreed that ESOs contribute positively to MSME development. The regression result further revealed that ESO support had a positive and statistically significant effect on MSME growth and sustainability (B = 0.582; β = 0.580; t = 16.17; p < 0.001). The model was statistically significant (F = 261.45; p < 0.001) and explained 42.8% of the variation in MSME growth and sustainability (R² = 0.428). The study therefore concludes that ESO interventions are important for strengthening the capacity, competitiveness and sustainability of MSMEs in Nigeria. It recommends that ESOs strengthen managerial training and mentorship, expand market-linkage, networking and innovation support, and improve the coordination, monitoring and continuity of enterprise-support programmes.
Keywords: Business Growth, Enterprise Support Organisations, Entrepreneurship, MSMEs., Nigeria, Sustainability