Significance of Entrepreneurship Education of Small and Micro Businesses in Communication and Information Technology Sector in Pretoria region in South Africa

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of entrepreneurship training on performance of small and micro enterprises in Information Communication Technology sector in Pretoria town.
 Methodology: Mixed method research design was used to collect qualitative and quantitative data. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data collected from the open-ended questions was analyzed through content analysis.
 Results: The study revealed that lecture method was mostly used during trainings and trainees preferred discussions or participatory methods. Business characteristics statistically significantly moderate the relationship between entrepreneurship training and firm performance. That is, as age of the business, size of the business and education level of the owner of the business increases, the more positive impact the entrepreneurship training has on firm performance.
 Conclusion: The government needs to regulate and broaden the curriculum of entrepreneurship training.
 Recommendation: The study recommends that trainers should conduct training needs assessments before conducting entrepreneurship trainings. Trainers should give equitable emphasis on entrepreneurial skills, managerial skills, and technical skills training. Still, trainers need to review their training methods in line with the training needs and the trainees’ expectations.