Small Agencies Research Articles

The moderating effect of ESG pressures on the relationship between the environmental management capabilities and the non-financial performance of Korean SMEs

Based on the resource-based view and institutional theory, this study investigates the impact of their environmental management capabilities and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) pressure on the non-financial performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In particular, it examines the interaction effect of ESG pressures on the relationship between SMEs’ environmental management capabilities and non-financial performance. For this study, a total of 1865 SME lists were obtained through Jeonnam Techno Park and Jeonnam Small Business Job and Economy Promotion Agency. Based on this, a total of 127 questionnaires were returned as a result of a telephone, e-mail, and online survey, and finally, an empirical analysis was conducted based on 120 questionnaires. We conducted an empirical analysis of Korean SMEs and obtained the following results: First, environmental management capabilities have a significant, positive effect on SMEs’ non-financial performance. Second, ESG pressure has a significant, negative effect on the non-financial performance of SMEs. Next, we analyzed the moderating effect of ESG pressures and observed that ESG pressures strengthen the positive effect of environmental management capabilities on non-financial performance. Based on the resource-based perspective and institutional theory, this study provides meaningful academic implications by examining environmental management capabilities and ESG pressures, which have not been identified in previous studies, as factors of non-financial performance that are becoming important under the new management paradigm, such as climate change and ESG. Furthermore, while ESG pressure has a significant negative effect on non-financial performance, we find that it is a moderating variable that strengthens the relationship between SMEs’ environmental management capabilities and non-financial performance, which has useful academic and practical implications for ESG and strategic management.

Efficiency of small business: the case of Nigeria

The concept of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) has been widely discussed through previous studies in entrepreneurship, so it can be considered as one of the main topics in this field, and the most commonly used measure of entrepreneurial behaviour. The main objectives of the study were to determine the effect of entrepreneurial orientation on small and medium sized enterprises and also to examine the effect of innovative performance on EO. The study population refers to selected SMEs that were registered with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) in Ogun State, Nigeria. The primary data was generated through the field survey using structured questionnaire as a major research instrument. Taro Yamani scientific formula was adopted to determine the sample size. Correlation statistical analytical, Pearson Product Moment correlation Coefficient method and content validity method was applied. The study used Analysis of variance (ANOVA), correlation efficiency, and regression analysis for this study. The research found that there is a significant effect of entrepreneurial orientation on small and medium sized enterprises performance in Nigeria. Moreover, the results of the study indicated that EO affects innovative performance. The study recommends that small and medium sized enterprises should embrace the entrepreneurial orientation dimensions of autonomy, pro-activeness, risk taking, competitive aggressiveness and innovativeness to increase business performance and SMEs operators should adopt autonomy by encouraging employees to be autonomous and be free to take initiative for the best interest of the organization and use periodic appraisal to monitor them.

The Determinants of International Certification among Manufacturing Firms in Pakistan

This study investigates the factors that influence international certification among Pakistani manufacturing firms. About a third of such firms in Pakistan hold one or more certificates related to management or technical processes. The existing literature suggests that this demand is influenced by factors such as sector of activity, market competition, human capital and information environment, ownership type, and available resources. By analyzing a large, random sample of Pakistani manufacturing firms, we find strong correlations between these factors and international certification. We also discover that owner attitude, an aspect overlooked in previous studies, plays a role in the certification decision. While our statistical model does not fully explain the determinants of certification for small firms, we do find that certification is associated with increased profitability among small enterprises. This implies that small enterprise development agencies can improve the effectiveness of their programs by considering certification status as an additional criterion for allocating support funds. The results of our study have policy implications related to exporting, staff training, diffusion of firm ownership, and enhanced information access facilitated by modern technology tools.

“Video is only one little perspective”: Officer perceptions of body-worn cameras in a small community-oriented agency

This paper examines officer perceptions of body-worn cameras (BWCs) through semi-structured in-depth interviews with officers across ranks in a small community-oriented police agency. Giving voice to officers in a small agency, this study broadens prior knowledge gained from big agency studies and deepens existing understanding of officer perceptions of BWCs beyond a binary classification (either support or resistance). This approach provides a useful angle for scholars to bridge some gaps in the current literature and informs practitioners on how to improve policies for better utilization of BWCs in daily policing operations.

Optimizing and synchronizing Aedes aegypti colony for Sterile Insect Technique application: Egg hatching, larval development, and adult emergence rate

Mosquito Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) programs can be developed in smaller agencies through synchronization of the colony development to take advantage of the natural male early emergence. This paper examined key aspects of Ae. aegypti colony synchronization work, including egg hatching, larval development, and adult emergence to produce sufficient numbers of adult male mosquitoes within a specific timeframe for irradiation and release. Our data indicated that a relatively low percentage of males are required for colony propagation. Additional results highlighted that fresher Ae. aegypti eggs could yield as high as a 93 % hatching success than older eggs when placed under vacuum pressure in yeast infused water for 1.5 h. Eggs that were one-month old hatched (93 %) better than older eggs (0–32 %). A higher egg density in the hatching flask was correlated to a lower hatch rate, and higher larval density was related to unsynchronized pupae and delayed adult emergence. By keeping Ae. aegypti larvae at reasonable density, over 95 % of adults emerged on the first two days of emergence – indicating a high synchronicity. A standardized colony maintenance protocol therefore renders a synchronized larval development and adult male emergence which are critical in SIT programs.

Earnings management in the family business groups of Pakistan: the role of corporate governance

Purpose This paper aims to examine the role of corporate governance (CG) in the earnings management (EM) of affiliated companies in family business groups (FBGs) listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), using principal–principal agency theory. Design/methodology/approach The sample of 327 nonfinancial firms of the PSX, consisting of 187 group-affiliated firms and 140 nonaffiliated firms has been used in this study for the period of 2010 to 2019. The study uses different regression models for analysis, with robustness tests of various alternative measures of EM and FBG affiliation. In addition, endogeneity is controlled with the propensity score matching method. Findings The findings show that EM is less prevalent in affiliated firms compared to nonaffiliated companies. The results show a negative and significant relationship between FBGs affiliated firms and EM. Moreover, the results also show a positive relationship between EM and the interaction term of the CG index and group affiliation. It refers to the fact that effective governance cannot reduce EM in affiliated companies of FBGs as well as in the nonfinancial companies of the PSX. In addition, the quality of CG is higher in affiliated companies compared to its counterpart in nonaffiliated firms. The findings support the principal–principal agency theory that CG cannot mitigate the expropriating behavior of controlling shareholders against minority shareholders by reducing EM in emerging markets due to the ownership concentration phenomenon. Research limitations/implications This research study has implications for small investors, government agencies and regulators. The findings of the study show that CG code should make it mandatory for companies to reveal information about their complex ownership structure and ownership information about affiliated companies and directors. Furthermore, it is suggested to revisit the code of CG in the Pakistani context of principal–principal conflict instead of the agent–principal explanation of agency theory based on Anglo–Saxon countries. Originality/value This research study has contributed to the CG and FBG literature in relation to EM in idiosyncratic settings of Pakistan. One of the prime contributions of the paper is the development of a comprehensive CG index. This research study used detailed, manually collected novel data on affiliated firms of FBGs in Pakistan.

Crafting Bhutan-China Ties: Small State Agency in Emergent Diplomatic Relations

Abstract: Bhutan sits across a geopolitical fault line in South Asia. To its south lies its traditional partner—India. To its north lies China: a country whose economic power could significantly benefit Bhutan but whose regional orientation is strategically opposed to that of India. This article explores how Bhutan manages its growing relationship with China and seeks to chart where the relationship might go in the future. It shows how increasing economic and commercial ties with China are exerting growing pressure on Bhutan, a country with few developmental opportunities. These ties—in parallel to increasing political engagements—are moving Bhutan closer to diplomatic recognition of China; a decision that will impact on the regional balance of power well beyond the country’s borders. How and when this policy shift will occur is unclear, as Bhutan has been able to successfully prioritize its own interests over Chinese agendas. In doing so, Bhutan has managed to exert a higher degree of agency than other small states in the region. This outcome challenges traditional notions of small state agency in international relations. This study finds that this has been possible due to both material power considerations and the perceptional value accorded to the relationship.

The occupation of self-employment in South African informal micro-enterprises

Introduction: Self-employment, in which individuals work for themselves in a small business or microenterprise to earn an income or generate a salary, has been encouraged to facilitate employment opportunities in South Africa. However, participation in self-employment within the community served by professionals such as occupational therapists is limited by many factors, including effective government initiatives, such as implementing the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) policies. To enable individuals and community participation in this type of work for those with occupational dysfunction, mainly persons with disabilities, professionals such as occupational therapists need to understand the structural, contextual and occupational outcomes related to self-employment. Based on the Framework for Occupational Justice, this study explored the occupation of self-employment in microenterprises in the low-resourced urban community of Alexandra Township.
 Method: A quantitative descriptive non-experimental design study was used to identify informal microenterprises in the community using a transect walk and community mapping. Structured interviews were conducted to complete a questionnaire with key informants (service providers and business owners) who provided perceptions on factors that impacted the occupational outcomes of microenterprises.
 Results: Structural and contextual factors from the participants' experience resulted in unjust occupational outcomes, which indicates that occupational rights, particularly participation, choice and balance, were negatively affected by the lack of opportunities, such as jobs. Occupational marginalisation and imbalance were reported since many businesses lacked adequate and appropriate space for trade. Some business owners, however, reported just occupational outcomes related to the occupational right for meaningful occupation in providing a service to the community and financial income to support themselves and their families.
 Conclusion: Occupational therapists need to play various active roles in raising the consciousness of unjust occupational outcomes and support for just occupational outcomes that are achieved in engagement in self-employment in informal microenterprises.
 Implications for practice
 Occupational therapists should take note of the factors and occupational outcomes of being self-employed identified in this study and consider the roles they could play in expediting success in this occupation for clients. Occupational therapists could assume:
 
 A collaborative role, such as referring and working with various key role players or sectors in the interest of sourcing and providing opportunities for skills development for those entering self- employment, particularly in entrepreneurial training. This may include working with the government (e.g., Department of Labour and Small Enterprise Development Agency), private sector (e.g., yes4youth), other professions (social workers and industrial psychologists) and organisations for persons with disabilities (e.g., Disabled People, South Africa
 

Entrepreneurial Behaviour and the Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in South-West, Nigeria

In recent times, the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) has generated increased interest because of their crucial contribution to the national and global economies. Against this back drop, this study empirically investigated the impact of entrepreneurial behaviour on the performance of SMEs in South-West, Nigeria. Specifically, this study evaluated the combined impact of entrepreneurial orientation, entrepreneurial competency, entrepreneurial mindset, and social network on the performance of SMEs. This study adopted a survey research design. The population of this study consisted of one hundred and forty-nine thousand, three hundred and seventeen (149,317) registered SMEs in operation with Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) as at the end of December, 2021 in South West, Nigeria. This study adopted a tabular approach proposed by Gill et al. (2010) Gill et al. (2010), as cited in Taherdoost (2017), to arrive at a sample size of six hundred and fifty-nine (659) respondents. This study employed multi-stage sampling technique, involving stratified sampling, proportionate sampling, and simple random sampling. The primary data used for the analyses were collected from the respondents through the use of structured questionnaire, and responses were analysed using descriptive and multiple regression analysis. The results revealed entrepreneurial behaviours (entrepreneurial orientation, entrepreneurial competency, entrepreneurial mindset, and social network) had a significant and positive impact on the performance of SMEs (Adjusted R2 = 0.878, p< 0.05). This study concluded that entrepreneurial behaviours enhanced the performance of SMEs in South-West, Nigeria. The study recommended that SMEs’ owners and managers should adopt an entrepreneurial approach, including entrepreneurial orientation, entrepreneurial competency, entrepreneurial mindset, and social network strategies. By doing so, they can develop more innovative products and services, outperform competitors, improve output, and retain customers in their operating sector.

Race, local context, and traffic stops: an examination of racial profiling in traffic stops in rural and non-rural places

PurposeThe current study examines the effects of race, agency and environment on traffic stops in rural and non-rural spaces.Design/methodology/approachUsing traffic stop data collected in a Midwest US County from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021, the current study uses logistic regression to examine racial disparities in traffic stops.FindingsThe results indicate that police decision-making in traffic stops may be influenced by other factors besides a driver’s race or ethnicity. In other words, the police officer’s decision making in a traffic stop varies between small and large agencies as well as rural and non-rural places.Originality/valueThis study provides one of the few examinations of racial disparities in traffic stops in rural places.

Connecting people to conservation agencies through social media posts: an examination of the power of marketing that zoos maintain

ABSTRACT We examined one calendar year of Facebook posts by 10 AZA accredited zoos to compare how often zoos mention small, large, and government conservation agencies. Findings include no significant difference in the amount of posts by zoos mentioning small organizations as opposed to large conservation agencies. This is due to uncovering that zoos mention conservation agencies in posts less than 5% of the time. This study recommends zoos post about conservation work more frequently and that conservation organizations request this from their zoo partners. Furthermore, every zoo sampled mentions conservation and guest engagement in their mission statement.

Assessing iPhone LiDAR & Recon-3D for determining area of origin in bloodstain pattern analysis.

Bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA) has proven to be a useful tool in forensic and criminal investigations for quite some time. Traditionally, documenting a crime scene for a bloodletting event was completed using manual techniques, physical strings, and a tape measure. In more recent years, laser scanners and 3D software programs have become a preferred method to capture accurate data that improves the validity and reliability of BPA. The initial cost of laser scanning equipment is relatively high, rendering these systems inaccessible to some police and smaller agencies. Recon-3D is a newly developed iPhone application that utilizes the iPhone LiDAR sensor in combination with video data to create 3D point clouds of crime scenes. To assess the viability of Recon-3D for area of origin analysis, two tests were performed. One was a series of bloodstain impacts which were analyzed in FARO Zone 3D software, while the second was a series of 6 repeated Recon-3D scans of two 90-degree walls which was then compared to the FARO Focus S350 scanner using CloudCompare software. A total of eight impact patterns were made at three different distances from a wall. The area of origin was measured and compared to the known location of the blood source. The average total 3D error for the area of origin set at 25, 50, and 100 cm from two perpendicular walls was found to be 6.04, 15.16, and 36.59 cm, respectively. These results are similar to past studies where programs such as HemoSpat have been used. The results of the point cloud comparison show that on average, 95% of the points from Recon-3D fall below a threshold of 3.6 mm when compared to a FARO Focus S350 laser scanner. Thus, the results of this test suggest that Recon-3D is an accurate and affordable scanning application for bloodstain patterns at crime scenes and the data provide acceptable results for area of origin analysis in BPA programs which accept laser scanner data.

Data-Driven Statewide Prioritization of Corridors for Signal Retiming Projects

While the introduction of emerging technologies has substantially improved the way traffic signals are operated, most agencies still rely on the traditional approach of retiming, which is typically initiated by “trigger” events (e.g., signal retiming occurs due to citizen calls, a major change in land use or roadway geometry, sustained oversaturation, safety concerns). The approach of using triggers can work effectively for small agencies, however, such an approach may not be sustainable for agencies that operate a high number of corridors. Additionally, agencies are often limited in terms of their budget to retime signals. Therefore, strategic selection of corridors is important to effectively utilize existing resources. Recently data-driven methods for prioritization of corridors for retiming were proposed. However, these methods either rely on datasets that are not widely available or only account for corridor performance (e.g., speed) without considering other relevant factors that can be important during prioritization. Further, most prior attempts estimated corridor performance based on the simple average performance of individual intersections. Such an approach may distort the results for corridors with largely dispersed intersection performance. To overcome these challenges, this study proposes a novel ranking approach based on data that is available to most agencies and incorporates normalized corridor delay, corridor travel time reliability, annual average daily traffic, and time since last retiming. The proposed method was applied to 120 corridors (consisting of 756 signals) across the State of Ohio in the US. It was found that ranking results are highly aligned with agency representatives’ expectations, as most of the highly ranked corridors have already been identified by agency representatives for future retiming projects. Moreover, the before-and-after analysis from recent retiming studies on highly ranked corridors revealed substantial benefits, confirming the effectiveness of the proposed ranking method. The proposed ranking and prioritization method discussed in this paper could be beneficial for agencies with large number of corridors and limited budget and resources so they can effectively prioritize their corridors for future signal retiming projects.

Implementasi Program Pemberdayaan UMKM di Dinas Koperasi Usaha Kecil dan Menengah Kabupaten Minahasa

This study aims to investigate the implementation of UMKM empowerment programs at the Small and Medium Enterprises Agency of Minahasa Regency. The method used in this research is qualitative, employing data collection techniques such as interviews, documentation, and observation. The research focuses on program objectives and the effectiveness of UMKM empowerment program administration. The study was conducted at the Small and Medium Enterprises Agency of Minahasa Regency. The research findings regarding the Implementation of UMKM Empowerment Program at the Small and Medium Enterprises Agency of Minahasa Regency indicate that : 1) Program administration targets have not achieved the set targets and objectives. 2) The implementation of UMKM empowerment programs at the Small and Medium Enterprises Agency of Minahasa Regency is hindered by budget limitations. 3) The quality and quantity of human resources in the office are still inadequate. 4) Program administration targets have not reached the set targets and objectives. 5) There is a need for broader and unrestricted socialization for business actors.

The Efficiency and Firm Performance Analysis of Nigeria Manufacturing Firms: Application of Stochastic Frontier Analysis Technique

ABSTRACT: Despite several measures adopted by the government to improve the efficiency of the manufacturing firms in Nigeria, the performance of these firms is below expectation. The poor performance of Nigerian manufacturing firms has prompted concern for Nigeria’s economic prospects in the long run. This needs to be addressed because, under this scenario, most development objectives would be difficult to achieve. Therefore, there is a need for Nigerian manufacturing firms to achieve high productivity to improve their performance. This study, therefore, evaluated the level of technical efficiency and examined the determinants of technical inefficiency in Nigerian manufacturing firms. It employed panel data of fifty-five manufacturing firms quoted in the Nigeria Stock Exchange Market from 1999 to 2020. The result from the Stochastic Frontier Analysis technique showed that all inputs (capital, labor, raw materials, cost of energy and other expenses) impacted positively on firms’ output at a 1% significance level. But the impact of raw material is the highest. It was also found that the mean efficiency for Nigerian manufacturing firms is 52.74%. Finally, it was revealed that the age of the firm, total assets and management efficiency are the technical inefficiency determinants in Nigerian manufacturing firms. This implies that the efficiency level of manufacturing firms in Nigeria can be improved by 47.26%. Also, manufacturing output can be enhanced by providing adequate raw materials. Furthermore, the efficiency of manufacturing firms in Nigeria is enabled by the managerial capability and asset size of the firms. The study suggested that government should give tax concessions on the purchase of raw materials (sourced domestically and externally) to encourage availability and use to optimize production. Also, manufacturing firms should encourage skill acquisition programs through various on-the-job training programs for managers and their entire workforce to boost labor productivity and performance. In addition, policies that will encourage good education system should be adopted by the government which will help the nation to produce trained and skilled labor force. Finally, manufacturing firms should mobilize more resources for the procurement, consolidation and expansion of the size of their assets using their undistributed corporate profit. Through its regulatory bodies [such as Federal Ministry of Industries, Trade and Investment, Nigeria Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN)], government should enforce minimal asset requirements for each sub-sector (industry) as a basis for takeoff and subsequent renewal of licence for the manufacturing firms in Nigeria.

The Mediating Impact of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria on the Relationship Between the Critical Success Factors and SMEs' Success

The Mediating Impact of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria on the Relationship Between the Critical Success Factors and SMEs' Success

Entrepreneurship Development and Micro, Small and Medium Business Enterprises Capacity Building in Nigeria

This study explores the impact of training programs and challenges faced by enterprise support organizations on the perception and development of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria. The research design adopted a quantitative survey approach, with structured questionnaires administered, with a population of over 80,000 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), resulting in a sample size of 426 respondents derived through convenience sampling. Data collection involved various channels, including online platforms and in-person interactions, with responses analyzed using SPSS version 26. The analysis utilized techniques such as regression analysis and correlation to examine relationships between variables. The findings reveal that capacity-building and training programs significantly influence the perception of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, with regression analysis demonstrating their positive impact on enhancing managerial skills among owners and employees. Conversely, challenges in adopting innovative technologies emerged as significant barriers, negatively affecting enterprises’ perceptions. Addressing these challenges, including limited access and resistance from employees, is crucial for fostering a conducive business environment. Moreover, the study tested hypotheses regarding the effectiveness of capacity-building programs and perceived innovation effectiveness, highlighting their positive influence on enhancing managerial skills within the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises sector. These findings underscore the importance of targeted training initiatives and policies that promote innovation adoption to drive Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises growth and sustainability. The implications of these findings extendenterprises and policymakers, emphasizing the need for accessible training programs and supportive frameworks for innovation adoption. Recommendations include strengthening partnerships between Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises and government agencies, fostering an enabling entrepreneurship ecosystem, and integrating technological advancements into these enterprises’ operations. Addressing challenges in accessing training and adopting innovative technologies is crucial for enhancing the competitiveness and resilience of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises in Nigeria. By implementing targeted strategies and policies, stakeholders can empower enterprises to contribute significantly to the nation’s economic development and overall prosperity.

Financial Management Capabilities and Demographic Characteristics on Sustainable Sales Growth of Selected Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria

This study measured the relationship between of financial management capabilities and sustainable sales growth of selected small and medium enterprises using demographic characteristics as a mediating variable. Explanatory survey was used as a research design. The population of the study was 2465 registered Medium and Small Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) in Small and Medium Development Agency of Nigeria (Ogun State Chapter). The determined sample size of study was 288 copies of questionnaire validly retrieved from owners and managers of MSMEs and used for the analysis. Both descriptive and correlation analyses were employed for the test of the hypothesis through Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software 22. The study revealed that MSMEs that are supposed to contribute to Gross Domestic Products of the state are collapsing due to lack of useful financial management capabilities (financial planning, financial forecasting, financial budgeting, & financial auditing and controlling) because of their business size and nature. The study concluded that MSMEs in food, agro-allied and services need to establish strong financial management capabilities to enhance their relevance, survival and growth in Ogun State. The study recommended that policy makers in Nigeria should embark on policy implementation that provides better and easier financial succour and empower MSME owners and managers to reduce the collapse of MSMEs in Ogun State.

Competitive Advantages amongst Travel Agencies in Malaysian SMEs: The Role of IOE Factors and Web Technologies & E-Business Adoption

In response to the volatile industrial landscape, particularly about Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), organizations have extensively embraced electronic business (e-business) as a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing their competitive advantage mechanisms. Nevertheless, the adoption of e-business amongst local Small and Medium Travel Agency (SMTAs) is still negligible. This study seeks to introduce a comprehensive model encompassing the factors driving and the consequences resulting from the adoption of e-business within SMTAs. The determinants of e-business adoption and the adoption of web-based technologies were empirically examined by employing data obtained from a sample of 323 managerial personnel. The collected data was subjected to analysis through structural equation modelling methods. The findings revealed the significance of specific determinants in influencing the adoption of e-business. Particularly, owner support, perceived ease of use, and government support emerged as critical factors influencing the decision to adopt e-business within SMTAs. In contrast attitude, competitive pressure, and relative advantage were found not significant. While e-business adoption has a major impact on SME functioning and operational progress, it also influences competitive advantage. This study's exploration of the factors influencing, and the consequences associated with the adoption of e-business offers valuable insights. These findings offer e-business practitioners and managers practical guidance for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of e-business adoption within their respective organizations. The results also provided a basis for more precise e-business studies to be conducted for small and medium companies in developing countries.

A digital infrastructure perspective for accelerated rural entrepreneurship

Within the technological context associated with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) as well as the technological implications of the Covid-19 pandemic, digitalization has increased. Given the that rural entrepreneurs have traditionally lagged behind in many facets of competitiveness, the purpose of this study was to explore the question: How can digital infrastructure accelerate small business entrepreneurship at a rural community in the Eastern Cape Province? The study was based on a qualitative design related to participant observations and document analysis. Participating in a meeting between entrepreneurs, academics and Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) officials and analyzing the discussion areas and behaviors of participants allowed the objectives of the study to be achieved. It was found that virtual infrastructure development excited the respondents and inspired business and developmental aspirations of participants. Participants provided that that digital infrastructure development in rural Eastern Cape would foster economic development, close the digital divide, widens small enterprise development models, ensure inclusive economic participation and create new business opportunities. It was also provided that digital infrastructure creates entrepreneurial linkages that would promote business ecosystems in rural areas and foster general economic advancement in rural areas. This study resulted in the need to recommend government to increase digital support and investment in rural areas. Keywords: Virtualization, digitalization, entrepreneurship, small business, innovation, technology