Impact of Agro-Entrepreneurial Training and Performance of Women Agro-Entrepreneurs in Abuja, Nigeria (Published)
Women demand better access to resources and support, which can lead to increased income, improved living standards, and empowerment. However, insufficient progress has been made in Abuja Nigeria, with women-owned micro enterprises facing challenges such as lack of access to markets, resources, and training. This study assesses the impact of agro-entrepreneurial training among women entrepreneurs in Abuja Nigeria. This study employed cross sectional research design where primary data was collected using closed ended structured questionnaire designed using Likert Scale from 360 sampled respondents of which 348 questionnaires were properly filled and returned, depicting a response rate of about 97%. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The research findings revealed that each specific training need has a significant impact on the performance of women entrepreneurs in Abuja Nigeria. Bookkeeping Training (β=0.041, p-value: 0.028) and Credit Recovery Training (β= 0.496, p-value: 0.000) exhibited positive impacts. Access to Finance Training (β=0.048, p-value: 0.002) highlighted the importance of securing adequate financing. Networking Training (β=0.093, p-value: <0.001) demonstrated positive influences. Based on the findings, this study recommended that Government agencies, NGOs, and other relevant stakeholders should improve bookkeeping training programs for women entrepreneurs to enhance financial management skills. It suggested further that entrepreneurial trainers should offer specialized training on credit management and recovery. Workshops and seminars on financing, business plan development, pitch preparation, networking, leadership, communication are also recommended.
Keywords: Business Performance, Financial literacy, access to finance; networking, agro-entrepreneurship, enterprise growth, human capital theory, women entrepreneurs; entrepreneurial training
Critical Success Factors and the Growth of Small-Scale Enterprises in Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nigeria (Published)
This research looks at the Critical Success Factors that have an impact on small business growth in Nigeria, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Even though they play a crucial role in economic diversification, job creation, and poverty reduction, the majority of Nigerian small enterprises are unable to expand past the limitations imposed by several operational and structural factors. In order to promote enterprise growth in terms of revenue growth, job creation, and asset expansion based on the linkages among the study variables, the study looks at three factors: education, entrepreneurship attributes, and access to financing. The results show that while entrepreneurial traits and education showed large positive connections, access to financing and SME growth had a moderate but significant positive link.In order to promote sustainable business growth, the findings highlight the significance of a multipronged approach that incorporates financial inclusion, entrepreneurial development, and educational support. In order to increase the performance and resilience of small-scale businesses in the FCT and elsewhere, the report suggests targeted financial policies, better institutional support, and organized entrepreneurial education programs.
Keywords: Access To Finance, and entrepreneurial qualities, enterprise growth, small scale enterprises