Business Development Services Research Articles

Business Development Services and Government Regulations: Prospects and Challenges of Youth-Owned Enterprises in Kigali Rwanda

Small and medium-sized businesses are crucial for creating jobs and reducing poverty, and Rwanda's economic growth. Business development services as a central component of government and non-government initiatives to expand occupation, provide greater income, and give economic stability. However, small and medium enterprises in Rwanda are experiencing poor performance since there was a reduction in SMEs Output from 58% in 2020 to 30% in 2021. Those obstacles can be improved by adopting business development services as an approach. Therefore, the focus of this paper was to examine how business development services affect the performance of youth-owned small and medium enterprises in Kigali City, Rwanda. The Resource-Based View, the Theory of Stage of Development, and Schumpeter’s Theory of Innovation were the main theories. This study used positivism as a research philosophy. An explanatory research design was employed on a sample size of 154 small and medium enterprises selected from the target population of 256 small and medium enterprises in Kigali, Rwanda. The study recommends policy and practice ramifications that can be used to improve business development services on the performance of youth-owned businesses in Rwanda. The study recommends the management of youth-owned enterprises strengthen their networking services, financial services, training services, and marketing services so that small and medium enterprises will be able to learn more and gain vital business potential which will enable them to better manage their businesses and enhance their long-term profitability and performance. Furthermore, the findings also established that government regulations in Rwanda significantly moderate the relationship between business development services and the performance of the business in Kigali city. In particular, the government should review taxes charged by the running of the enterprise and the process of obtaining a license to participate in the business. This will make it possible for young business owners to understand and take advantage of numerous business development services, which will ultimately improve their business performance.

The urban informal sector as a means of livelihood improvement among youth: Evidence from Hawassa city, Ethiopia

The informal sector constitutes a vital part of developing countries’ economy. It serves as a major source of employment and livelihood for the urban poor. However, despite its multifaceted economic contributions in many developing countries, little is known about its contribution. Hence, this study examines the role of the urban informal sector in improving the livelihoods of the participants in Hawassa city, southern Ethiopia, using primary data. A random sample of 182 informal sector participants was selected from eight kebeles using multi-stage sampling techniques. Descriptive statistics and a logistic regression model were used to analyze the data. The descriptive analysis results showed that the majority of the participants (67%) perceived that participating in the informal sector has considerably improved their livelihood. The econometric analysis reveals that informal business operators who earn a higher monthly income, those who save their income, stayed longer in the business, have access to credit and own more working capital, and those who get training opportunities are observed to have better livelihood improvement compared to their comparative group. Given the sector’s role in creating employment opportunities for the burgeoning urban labor force and improving livelihood, informal businesses should not be treated as a hostile group with a marginal role in the economy. Thus, along with designing strategies for the formalization of informal enterprises, facilitating access to finance, training programs, improving the business environment, and provision of business development services prepare youth to navigate the informal sector in the study area, in particular, and Ethiopia, in general.

Aturan Hukum Lembaga Keuangan Mikro Syariah (Bmt Dan Koperasi Syariah) Beserta Akad Akadnya

Law No. 1 of 2013 concerning Microfinance Institutions was born, LKMS in Indonesia are known as Baitul Mal wa Tamwil (BMT) or Sharia Savings and Loans and Financing Cooperatives (KSPPS) which are generally incorporated as cooperatives. Based on sharia principles, cooperatives are legally incorporated under the supervision of the ministry of cooperatives and small and medium enterprises. The existence of this dualism of legal regulations has led to overlapping regulations, supervision and guidance by related agencies, as well as contradictions in the regulations between one another. This legal problem requires a solution through the reformulation of legal regulations relating to Islamic MFIs. Microfinance institutions (MFIs) in Indonesia are currently growing rapidly and have an important role in improving the people's economy. The rapid development of this MFI is because almost 51.2 million units or 99.9% of business actors in the Indonesian economy are dominated by micro and small business units (Ali sakti: 2013). MFIs can be said to be one of the important pillars in the financial intermediation process needed by small and medium-sized communities for consumption and production as well as storing their business results. In Indonesia, MFIs are regulated in Law no. 1 of 2013 concerning Microfinance Institutions. According to Article 1 (1) of Law no. 1 of 2013 concerning Microfinance Institutions, what is meant by MFIs are: financial institutions specifically established to provide business development services and community empowerment, either through loans or financing in micro-scale businesses to members and the public, managing deposits, as well as providing development consulting services business that is not solely for profit. Based on the definition above, it can be understood that an MFI is a financial institution that functions as an intermediary institution that aims not only to seek profit (profit motive), but also has other goals, namely social motives whose activities are more in the nature of community development.

ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ РОЗВИТКУ МАЛОГО ТА СЕРЕДНЬОГО БІЗНЕСУ В КРИЗОВИХ УМОВАХ

The article examines the functioning of small and medium-sized businesses in crisis conditions. A period of crisis conditions (2018–2022) for conducting business activities has been determined: the global economic crisis of 2018, the global pandemic of 2020–2022, and the full-scale war in Ukraine that began in February 2022 and continues to this day. The main measures of the domestic government in supporting small and medium-sized businesses to overcome the consequences of the global economic crisis in 2018 are analyzed: state business financing programs, which were carried out at the expense of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Among the types of support, the main ones were: access to finance (46%), business development services (24%) and a favorable business environment (30%). The State program to stimulate the economy during the global pandemic of COVID-19 and its impact on the activities of entrepreneurs are characterized. The main government steps to help Ukrainian businesses after a full-scale invasion have been identified. The government’s implementation of the business recovery program in the pandemic partially adapted entrepreneurship to crisis conditions: the number of active business entities (in particular, small and large ones) decreased, albeit slowly. Considered the implementation of new state programs by the national government by making certain changes to the current legislation on supporting business activities and stimulating the economy during the war: the requirements for obtaining licenses and permits for many types of activities were canceled; the law on the liberalization of labor relations was signed; amendments were made to the Tax Code of Ukraine; the absence of inspections and various sanctions due to untimely submission of reports is ensured, except for certain exceptions; postponement of the fulfillment of the terms of contracts in the event of force majeure circumstances. The monitoring of the business environment during the war in Ukraine is characterized. The main domestic government products and programs used to improve the business environment in crisis conditions are listed. The main measures to ensure business development in crisis conditions and the results of their implementation have been determined.

Business Development Services Providers: Pathways and Involvement of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Arusha City and the Moshi Municipality, Tanzania

This paper aims at determining Business Development Service Providers’ (BDSPs) pathways and involvement of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in development and delivery of Business Development Service (BDS). The study was conducted in Arusha City and Moshi Municipality, in Tanzania. A total of 65 BDS providers and 254 MSMEs were sampled and a cross-sectional research design was used for this study. Respondents were selected by using a purposive and a simple random sampling procedure. Data were collected using a questionnaire and focus group discussions (FGDs). Qualitative data was analysed using content analysis, while quantitative data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results indicated that most of the pathways utilized by BDS providers in service delivery to MSMEs were seminars, trainings and workshops. Others were vocational training, incubators, technical transfer and promotion of appropriate technology, trade fair exhibitions, and consultancy as well as business information services. However, there were no institutionalized approaches regarding BDS delivery approaches among the surveyed BDS providers. Similarly, the surveyed BDS providers indicated limited MSMEs involvement in needs assessment, service designing and delivery approaches. Due to several constraining factor such as inadequate financial resources, lack of coordination and inadequate BDS providers’ information and awareness among MSMEs. The study concludes that it is not possible to determine which pathway is the most appropriate to follow in delivering services to MSMEs. Therefore, the choice of the pathway depends mostly on the focus of the providers delivering BDS. The study recommends that BDS providers need to ensure that their delivery pathways are clients oriented by involving them in the whole process of service delivery particularly in the needs assessment, services designing and delivery. Furthermore, the study recommends that the policy makers advocate for strategies that will facilitate MSMEs involvement in BDS designing and the delivery processes. Such strategies should include MSMEs capacity building and the use of appropriate participation methods. Likewise, the strategies should focus on improving MSMEs involvement in the BDS delivery process to ensure sustainable MSMEs development is achieved.

Constraints to Accessing Business Development Services and Support (BDSS) among The Urban Street Vendors in Dar Es Salaam Tanzania

Purpose: This study examined constraints to accessing Business Development Services and Support (BDSS) among the urban-based informal street vendors in Dar es Salaam- Tanzania.
 Design/Methodology/ Approach: This study employed qualitative methods with purposive and simple random sampling techniques being used to obtain 110 vendors and officials from various organizations who participated in this study. The researcher employed in-depth interviews, observations and the review of different documents. Collected data was later analysed through thematic analysis run through MAXQDA 10.
 Findings: Findings revealed several issues constraining informal vendors to access BDSS services. These included financial constraints, lack of BDSS organisations and professionals, lack of relevant policies and regulations, vendors' inability to abide by policies and regulations, lack of vendors' involvement in BDSS decision-making, lack of physical address, vendors' informal and illegal status and lack of statistics on the street vendors.
 Research Limitation/Implication: This study mainly focused on street vendors in the urban settings of Dar es salaam and specifically in the three municipalities of Ilala, Kinondoni and Ubungo.
 Practical Implication: Mitigating the BDSS constraints among the vendors will guarantee an increase in sales and profitability in street vending hence protecting vendors' livelihoods and contribution to national development.
 Social Implication: The study recommends improvement in policy options related to alleviating BDSS-related constraints among vendors including empowerment of vendors on financial matters as well as being provided with reliable sources of business capital, knowledge and skills. 
 Originality / Value: Moreover, this study is more adds to more innovative and inclusive strategies for empowering urban street vendors on BDSS, considering that previous works on BDSS have not provided rich solutions to street vendors to access Business Development Services and Support. While some of these studies are quantitative, some other studies have only focused on only registered businesses leaving the informal street vendors unattended.

TANTANGAN PENGEMBANGAN LKMS MELALUI UMKM DI INDONESIA

Sharia microfinance institutions are institutions specifically established to provide business development services and community empowerment. The development of Islamic Microfinance Institutions in Indonesia has increased quite rapidly and has a very vital role in the progress of the Indonesian economy. The existence of baitul mal wa tamwil (BMT) as one of the pioneers of sharia microfinance institutions in Indonesia. This study uses a qualitative approach. The type of this research approach is descriptive, namely a method to describe a research result, which provides an explanation of the phenomenon to be studied using factual data. The results of the study show that capital is an obstacle faced by MSMEs due to limited information from Islamic financial institutions. This is the challenge that is still being faced related to economic development, including Islamic financial institutions. Islamic financial institutions are still struggling with capital issues, the development of sharia product innovations, to the inadequate quality of human resources.

Business Recovery, Renewal and Resilience Strategies for Township Taverns in South Africa: A Post-Covid 19 Prognosis

Covid-19 has devastated many sectors, especially in developing economies. This study examined township taverns (small-medium and micro informal liquor retailers) in South Africa to determine survival strategies during and after covid-19. 30 tavern owners and managers were interviewed using phenomenological qualitative research design. Township taverns need to form strategic units to benefit from bulk buying discounts and diversify product and service offerings. The study recommended further research to determine what business development services and government support township taverns need.

Gender, entrepreneurship, and coping with the COVID-19 pandemic: The case of GoFood merchants in Indonesia.

This paper examines business performance and crisis-mitigation strategies among micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Indonesia during the COVID-19 pandemic. We utilise a new primary dataset based on administrative records, survey data, and follow-up interviews with merchants using the digital application GoFood, an on-demand cooked food delivery service. Three empirical findings emerge: first, the overall employment size of women-owned businesses shrank more than men-owned businesses after the onset of the pandemic; second, women were more likely than men to cut personal expenditures and use government assistance as crisis-mitigation strategies; and third, competition increased sharply as new merchants entered the platform, with the service areas of both incumbents and entrants shrinking over time. These results have implications for policies on women's entrepreneurship, the uptake of business development services, and financing programs for MSMEs.

How can machine tool builders capture value from smart services? Avoiding the service and digitalization paradox

PurposeThis paper aims to assess the existence of, or the risk of running into, a smart service paradox for industrial firms and how to overcome it.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative multiple case study is conducted involving four machine tool builders. The main source of data is formed by semi-structured interviews with service business managers. NVivo software was used to structure the interview harvest.FindingsThe findings reveal that a smart service paradox is a realistic threat for industrial firms, that smart service business development is a supply push affair rather than a matter of demand pull, that two types of permissions need to be granted by prospective users (license to operate and license to charge) and that three intermediate steps need to be undertaken and validated to overcome a smart service paradox: value testing or proofing; value recognition; and value sharing.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was vendor-centric and did not involve the industrial customers to whom the smart services were directed. It was based on a small sample, which limits the generalizability of findings to a broader or different (sectoral) context.Practical implicationsLessons are identified for service managers on how to circumvent a smart service paradox.Originality/valueThis study departs from a value creation-delivery-capture (“business model”) perspective to assess smart service paradox dynamics. By adopting a relational perspective to it, the present paper succeeds in presenting a more granular version of the base business model.

Analysis of Business Development Services in Improving Taxpayer Compliance of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises

This study aims to analyze the role of implementing business development services (BDS) to improve the tax compliance of MSME taxpayers. To do this, a qualitative approach with the Library Research method is used. Data is collected by reviewing journals, conference publications, books, and other sources related to the research problem, such as news from credible sources, as well as final project research from another relevant research. The results of the study show that Business Development Services (BDS) is a form of business development services that facilitates MSME actors to grow. In Indonesia, the Director General of Taxes uses this program to encourage tax compliance by integrating it with tax socialization. This program then provides various event platforms that increase tax knowledge and perceptions of tax justice. The implication for the Tax Office is to be able to develop a BDS program that is as attractive as possible for MSMEs. This study provides originality as the first qualitative study to investigate the effect of BDS on tax compliance.

Business Development Service Through Lazis Partnership With Universities in Mentoring MSMEs in Purbalingga Regency

Indonesia is a country where most of yhe population is Muslim, where the potential for zakat funds is quite large so that it can be used as an alternative in minimizing existing poverty. With the obligtion of zakat, if can be used as a bridge to even out commonuty‟s economy, so that the gap between the rich and the poor will be reduced. We can pay zakat institutions, one of which is LAZIS Muhammadiyah, Purbalingga Regency. This institution itself was founded in 2002. During the course of the establishment of LAZIS Muhammadiyah, not only consumptive zakat funds were distributed to 8 groups of zakat recipients. However LAZISMU, Purbalingga also distributes and utiliez produvtive zakat for MSMEs who are joined with them form f Business Development Service through mentoring programs. Thus, this study aims to find out in more detail related to an assistance which will later be described in the formulation og the problem that the author has determined. The type of research in this research is field research. This research was conducted at LAZISMU, Purbalingga Regency with a descriptive-qualitative approach. Which descriptive it self describing and explaining the Business Development Service Through LAZIS Partenrship with Higher Education in Assisting MSMEs in Purbalingga Regency, this research was taken with data collection techniques in the form of observation, interviews, and documentation. The speakers are from the LAZIS, universitas, counterparts, and MSME actors. The results of research in the field related to Business Development Service through LAZIS Partenrship with Universities in Monitoring MSMEs in Purblingga Regency are as follows : (1)The effectiveness of the implementation of the Business Development Service. (2) Evaluation of the Business Development Service.

PERANAN BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SERVICE DALAM PENGEMBANGAN USAHA KECIL MENENGAH SETELAH MASA PANDEMIC COVID-19 DI KOTA WISATA PARIAMAN (STUDI KASUS UKM PRODUK KREATIF)

This research was conducted through hypothesis testing using multiple regression analysis. The population in this study were all beautiful embroidery and embroidery craftsmen in the tourist city of Pariaman (case study of creative products), with a population of 1,117 business units. The sampling technique used is purposive sampling, where the researcher uses considerations by including certain elements that are considered to be able to obtain correct information or the individuals in the sample that reflect the population. Based on the theory above, in taking the sample, the researcher used a sample of 20% of the population, namely 20% x 1117 = 223.4 :2 = 111.7 so that it was rounded up to 112 entrepreneurs as respondents. Multiple regression results Y = 0.00 + 0.044 X1 + 0.00 X2 + 0.00X3 In the multiple linear regression equation, it is known that the constant is -7.073. Business Development Service in facilitating Small and Medium Enterprises to obtain capital and expand market share is a variable that has a significant role in the development of Small and Medium Enterprises, meaning that Business Development Service in facilitating Small and Medium Enterprises to obtain capital and expand market share has a significant role in business development Small and Medium has a beautiful and border crossing in Pariaman city tourism. While the Business Development Service in facilitating Small and Medium Enterprises to master technology is statistically significant, it means that the role of Business Development Service in facilitating Small and Medium Enterprises to master technology in developing Small and Medium Enterprises with beautiful embroidery and embroidery needs to be done significantly. This shows that the first and second hypotheses are proven and can be accepted as true as well as the third hypothesis is proven to be true. Simultaneously Business Development Service has a role. significant in the development of Small and Medium Enterprises Beautiful embroidery and embroidery in Pariaman city.Keywords: Small and Medium Enterprise(UKM), Business Development Service (BDS).

Border Tourism: a Synergicity Model of Economic Empowerment Program in Overcoming Social Economic Inequalities in the Indonesia Land Border Region-Malaysia

Poverty and socio-economic disparities in the border areas in West Kalimantan are the most conspicuous issues. But on the other hand, the border area has very rich natural resources but has not been utilized/exploited optimally. This study aims to describe the potential of the Indonesia-Malaysia land border area in Sajingan Besar District and Paloh District (PALSA) in Sambas Regency then a synergy model of economic empowerment program for border area communities will be developed. The approach used in this research is a qualitative approach and this type of research is a case study. For the purposes of analysis, data collection uses triangulation data collection methods which include observation, interviews and documentation. Based on the research results, several programs that synergize with economic empowerment programs include: a) Entrepreneurship Program for prospective new entrepreneurs; b) Business incubator establishment program at each university; c) village incubator program based on village superior products; d) Business development service program (village/kelurahan); e) BUMDes program based on village innovation and f) Leverage program: MSME big house tourism.

Border Tourism: a Synergicity Model of Economic Empowerment Program in Overcoming Social Economic Inequalities in the Indonesia Land Border Region-Malaysia

Poverty and socio-economic disparities in the border areas in West Kalimantan are the most conspicuous issues. But on the other hand, the border area has very rich natural resources but has not been utilized/exploited optimally. This study aims to describe the potential of the Indonesia-Malaysia land border area in Sajingan Besar District and Paloh District (PALSA) in Sambas Regency then a synergy model of economic empowerment program for border area communities will be developed. The approach used in this research is a qualitative approach and this type of research is a case study. For the purposes of analysis, data collection uses triangulation data collection methods which include observation, interviews and documentation. Based on the research results, several programs that synergize with economic empowerment programs include: a) Entrepreneurship Program for prospective new entrepreneurs; b) Business incubator establishment program at each university; c) village incubator program based on village superior products; d) Business development service program (village/kelurahan); e) BUMDes program based on village innovation and f) Leverage program: MSME big house tourism.

Проблеми малого та середнього бізнесу в умовах пандемії COVID-19: європейський вимір

An important role in the development of economic systems of the world’s leading countries is played by small and medium-sized businesses, which are the basis of the economy, create GDP, are a significant source of budget replenishment, provide the largest number of jobs. In the conditions of open economy it is important to compare the national economy with European and world countries, to define strategies that will set the vector of development of a competitive country and ensure accelerated economic growth. The aim of the proposed study is a comprehensive comparative analysis of the Ukrainian business environment in the field of small and medium enterprises in the European context. Modern challenges have made changes and adjustments to the economic development of the world and Ukraine. Therefore, it is important to summarize the practical experience of Ukrainian and world’s small and medium-sized businesses during the crisis and identify prospects for further development. The article is devoted to a comprehensive study of small and medium-sized businesses in Ukraine. What was conducted is a statistical assessment of the overall performance of medium and small businesses in terms of individual countries; the criteria for obstacles to doing business in Ukraine were identified. In order to analyze the positioning of Ukraine in the global space, a study of the essential characteristics of ratings and indices that assess the social, economic and political spheres in Ukraine, highlights the current state of small and medium business, identified its place in interstate comparisons. The key directions of activation of small and medium business in the conditions of economic crisis caused by the world pandemic are generalized and singled out. The research methods: are comparison, explanation, abstraction, empirical analysis and synthesis, a combined method of similarity and divergence. Current situation and negative trends in the development of small and medium-sized businesses in Ukraine and institutional constraints on entrepreneurship caused by the economic crisis due to the global pandemic require increased attention to the current problem of business units and use the positive experience of leading European countries. medium business. In the long run, Ukraine must ensure the sustainable development of its own institutional and legal framework for SME policy, expand deregulation measures and ensure a level playing field for SMEs. In addition, promoting the greening and internationalization of SMEs and providing business development services will help increase the competitiveness of the Ukrainian economy. Prospects for further research lie in the field of comparative analysis of government policy research in the field of small and medium-sized businesses in the European dimension in order to identify contradictions.

Effects of Business Development Service Providers’ Resources Endowment on Service Delivery to Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Northern Tanzania

The resource endowment of business development service providers (BDSPs) is crucial for the provision of services to small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This paper assessed BDS providers’ resource endowment and the extent to which it enhances service delivery to SMEs in Arusha City and Moshi Municipality. A total of 65 BDS providers and 254 SMEs were sampled for the study. A cross-sectional design was used for this study. Respondents were sampled using purposive and simple random sampling. Data were collected through a questionnaire-based survey, focus group discussions, observation and documentary reviews. Content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data, while quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The results indicated that BDS providers hardly have sufficient resource endowment to deliver their BDS to SMEs in the form of human capital, physical resources, networking ability and information systems. However, the level of resource endowment differs among BDS providers. Similarly, the surveyed BDS providers were not performing to their full potential in service delivery due to a number of challenges they were encountering. Among the reported challenges facing BDS providers were SMEs’ slow rate of adopting new knowledge and technology and insufficient financial and human resources and geographical location. The study concludes that resources such as human capital, physical capital, networking abilities, and information systems available among BDS providers contribute to building their capabilities to deliver services to SMEs. The study recommends that BDS providers capitalize on their resources to be in a better position to provide competitive services to their clients.

Transitioning MSMEs to the Normal Tax System

It is not straightforward to urge and prepare MSMEs to participate in the standard tax system. MSMEs must have adequate tax knowledge and competence to comply with their tax obligations after they enter the standard tax system. The research aims to develop a strategy for transitioning to a normal tax system from the perspective of both the taxpayer and the government, including the barriers encountered. This study used a qualitative approach and an in-depth interview to obtain data. A review of the literature was conducted, as well as in-depth interviews with DGT officials, tax scholars, tax practitioners, and SME taxpayers. The most recent rule on final income tax for MSMEs establishes a time restriction for applying the final income tax rate and recording. The grace period was designed to teach MSMEs how to manage their bookkeeping and other obligations under the conventional tax system while growing their business. According to the study's findings, MSMEs taxpayers do not have a distinct strategy for dealing with the conventional tax system. They do, however, have commercial plans that overlap with the transition strategy. On the other hand, the government, through DGT, launched a plan called Business Development Services. The challenges of human resources and initiative affect both government and MSMEs taxpayers. This article examines the strategic procedures necessary to convert MSME taxpayers from a presumptive tax regime to the implementation of a conventional tax system, as well as the barriers encountered in achieving tax equity. The report proposes a transition strategy from a presumptive, tax regime to the implementation of a conventional tax system on the hard-to-tax sector by the Indonesian tax authorities and MSME taxpayers.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SERVICES AND GROWTH OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN KENYA

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to find out the relationship between business development services and growth of small and medium enterprises in Kenya
 Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The target population was 422 manufacturing SMEs in Nairobi County who are members of Kenya Association of Manufacturers. Nairobi County was purposively selected. Both stratified and simple random sampling was used to select a representative sample. Both primary and secondary data collection techniques were employed. A Pilot study was conducted on 20 manufacturing SMEs in Kiambu County to establish and improve on the validity and reliability of research instruments. Data collected was coded and stored in tabular form using Microsoft Excel. Data was analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative data analysis methods. Quantitative data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 25 software through descriptive statistics (measures of central tendency and measures of dispersion). Data was presented through Tables.
 Results: The study found out that there was a significant positive relationship between business development services and growth of small and medium enterprises in Kenya. According to the results of this study, 23% of growth of small and medium enterprises in Kenya is explained by business development services.
 Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommended that policies should be formulated to strengthen public-private partnerships should be established and strengthened to nurture and support the overall entrepreneurial ecosystem in order to encourage greater growth among manufacturing SMEs, foster academia-industry collaborations for creation of new technologies and innovation in the existing technologies. Appreciate the local technologists and encourage local technology development by providing tax reliefs for preferred industries.

Role of Credit Access Program on the Performance of Women Owned MSES Incubated at KIRDI

Women owned Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) are a source of employment and wealth creation in most of the world economies and Kenya not an exemption. However, the survival rate of the women owned MSEs is minimal. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the role of credit access program on the performance of women owned MSEs which have been incubated at KIRDI. The study was a survey study design. The target population was 259 MSE women entrepreneurs who have graduated from KIRDI business incubation programs. The researcher did a census since it was appropriate for this study and used questionnaires to collect qualitative and quantitative data. The study analyzed data using descriptive and inferential statistics through Correlation and regression of variables. Results were reported through tables and figures. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to aid analysis of data. Data was analyzed and presented using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed a positive and significant relationship between credit access program and performance of women owned MSEs incubated by KIRDI (β=0.348, p=0.000). The study concluded that business incubation support programs simplified into incubator training and development, business development services, credit access program and technology absorption positively and significantly influenced the performance of women owned MSEs incubated at KIRDI in Nairobi. The study recommends that the government should consider looking towards setting a single window to manage business incubators all over the country and to coordinate the activities of all institutions and companies that are in the process of incubating new businesses. Keywords: Credit access, Women owned MSEs, Business performance, Business incubation, KIRDI