ENTREPRENEURIAL TRAINING AND PERFORMANCE OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES AMONG IGBO TRADERS IN ANAMBRA STATE

Abstract

This study examined the influence of entrepreneurial training on the performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) among Igbo traders in Anambra State. The population of the study consists of all the SMEs owned by Igbo traders in Anambra State. Multi-staged sampling technique was used to determine the sample size of the study. The study employed descriptive and inferential statistics on a sample of 482 respondents. Simple percentages and regression analysis of Ordinary Least Square (OLS) were used to analyze the study. From the analysis of the study, findings revealed that: Business risk has a significant effect on the performance of SMEs among Igbo traders in Anambra State. Business skills were found to be statistically significant in influencing the performance of SMEs among Igbo traders in Anambra State. Mentorship has a significant effect on the performance of SMEs among Igbo traders in Anambra State. Business communication has a significant effect on the performance of SMEs among Igbo traders in Anambra State. Business tolerance has a significant effect on the performance of SMEs among Igbo traders in Anambra State. It was concluded that entrepreneurial training has a significant positive influence on the performance of small and medium enterprises among Igbo traders in Anambra State. Among other this, it was recommended that the owners of SMEs particularly should strive to learn enterprise risk management and that their training in business skills is imperative. Keywords: Entrepreneurial Training, Performance, Small and Medium Enterprises, Igbo Traders and Anambra state