Small-scale Entrepreneurs Research Articles

Analysing the feasibility of agro-based value chain configurations in the rural context with B2B marketing

Purpose This paper aims to advocate for small-scale entrepreneurship with commercial cultivation to earn better profits at the farmer level. This paper explores potential value chain configurations of vertical coordination. Design/methodology/approach The aloe vera supply chain was examined for the study where aloe vera juice is the product. The various configurations are complete vertical coordination, semi-vertical coordination and non-vertical coordination. These were analysed to find feasibility and market prospects based on parameters. The cyclic view of supply chains, comparative analysis and fuzzy-analytical hierarchy process algorithm are presented. Findings The semi-vertically coordinated supply chain is indicated as the optimum setup to initiate value chains. The entrepreneurs in this configuration will be able to sell semi-finished produce to a brand that will process and distribute the final product. This B2B setup will help the farmer to earn better revenues in the post-COVID-19 scenario. Effective marketing with improved execution and innovation will boost the food processing industry. Research limitations/implications This study uses an established methodology to distinguish among alternatives based on underlying factors. The study is based on data collected from stakeholders. The study reflects the most accurate picture of real-world scenarios at the farm and market level in the Indian context. Practical implications This study’s learnings will help understand the organisational approach to serve demand by designing unique business configurations. Adapting the fundamental model with technological intervention will improve supply chain performance and sustainability. The most modern approaches in agri-business, such as subscription models, vertical farming, corporate entrepreneurship and technological intervention, will be covered in future work. Social implications This study will help stakeholders, including the government, decide whether to introduce training skills, subsidy policies, business expansion ideas and feasibility studies. Originality/value The study highlights the strategic role of developing the B2B platform to support customer values and customer ecosystem with better product availability.

Measuring the intensity of challenges and problems of small-scale entrepreneurs in Uttarakhand, India

Purpose This study aims to understand the relative intensity of the challenges and problems faced by small-scale entrepreneurs in Uttarakhand. Design/methodology/approach A survey methodology was used for this study. The judgement sampling method was used to select the sample for this study. The data were collected from 240 small-scale entrepreneurs using a self-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, principal component analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used to analyse the data. Findings The survey found that marketing, finance, taxation, human resource and government support–related problems are the major problems of small-scale entrepreneurs in the state. Research limitations/implications This study was conducted in both rural and urban areas, but due to the unreachability of rural entrepreneurs, the representation of rural entrepreneurs is less, so the findings are more inclined towards urban entrepreneurs. Practical implications The research has highlighted the intensity of the major problems faced by small-scale entrepreneurs in Uttarakhand. Although many support schemes are operational in the state, small–scale entrepreneurs face many challenges, so this study provides solutions for those challenges. Originality/value This study is unique in that it measures the intensity of problems and challenges of small-scale entrepreneurs and provides insight into more serious issues prevalent in the state.

An Exploration on Success and Failure of Cooperatives and Microfinance

Cooperatives and microfinances are regarded as a vehicle of development. The history of cooperatives and microfinance development is relatively short which dates back to the 1970s. With the assistance of cooperatives and microfinances, households can expand opportunities for income generation. Small size of loan, group savings, small-scale entrepreneurs, diversified utilization and simple and flexible terms and conditions on credit are the determining characteristics of microfinance and cooperatives. Basically this study is based on the review of past studies and research documents and has tried to collect detail information regarding the history, success and failure of microfinance and cooperatives. It covers the information of advanced countries as well as developing countries like Nepal. In course of research, the study found that cooperatives and microfinance have contributed too many households including backward people, women and marginalized groups. It has assisted to poverty eradication, inequality reduction, women empowerment, unemployment reduction which all result to economic development. These outcomes lead to the success of cooperatives and microfinance whereas public policy issues, fraud of the management team, lack of accountability, unproductive use of cooperatives and microfinance lead towards its failure. On the basis of the findings, it can be concluded that there is rapidly expanding number and size of cooperatives and microfinance institutions in many parts of the world, and in course of time these are moving towards commercial sector rather than being oriented to backward people.

Do Micro Finance Banks Influence The Performance Of Small Scale Business Entrepreneurs In Ijebu North Lga, Ogun State, Nigeria?

This paper contributes to the debate on the impact of Microfinance financial and non-financial services on the development of small-scale entrepreneurs. This study actually investigated the influence of Access to Microfinance Credit and Microfinance services on the development of small-scale entrepreneurs in Ijebu North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria. Survey research design using simple random sampling technique was employed to select 90 out of 175 registered small-scale entrepreneurs in Ijebu North LGA. Applying regression analysis on the primary data collected showed that a positive and significant relationship exists between Access to Microfinance credit and performance of small-scale entrepreneurs in the sampled areas. In addition, Microfinance service was also found to exert a significant influence on small-scale entrepreneurs’ performance, albeit, the correlation coefficient and the coefficient of determination were below average. This notwithstanding, the study concludes that Microfinance provision of credit; financial services, business support, and empowerment have positively influenced business performance, income generation, asset accumulation, and overall well-being of small-scale entrepreneurs in the sample area. It is recommended that microfinance institutions should continue to focus on expanding access to credit and other financial and advisory services to small-scale entrepreneurs to continuously improve their overall performance.

Rural Government Cooperation Intensity and Leadership in Fostering the Innovation Capabilities of Rural Microbusinesses

Introduction: The growth of rural entrepreneurship significantly impacts economic growth and the well-being of rural communities. Background Problem: Innovation is crucial for entrepreneurs' success, with rural government playing a pivotal role in rural societies. Novelty: This study overviews the role of rural government in fostering entrepreneurial innovation, focusing on inter-organizational collaboration and the village head's leadership style. Research Method: Employing a quantitative survey methodology, the study undertook direct surveys of 300 rural micro- and small-scale entrepreneurs from diverse industries in Indonesia. A simple random sampling technique was used to ensure a representative sample of the population. Data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling—Partial Least Squares. Findings: The analysis reveals that rural government cooperation and transformative leadership positively influence entrepreneurs' perceptions of organiza­tional support. In turn, perceived organizational support significantly impacts the desire for knowledge sharing and innovation capability enhancement. This study diverges from previous research by examining the mediating roles of knowledge sharing and perceived organizational support in innovation capability enhancement. It confirms that perceived organizational support is a vital mediator in the relationship between government cooperation intensity, transformational leadership, and innovation capability. Conclusions: The findings underscore the need for rural governments to practice effective cooperation and leadership and provide consistent support. Such strategies facilitate a supportive environ­ment that fosters knowledge sharing and significantly boosts rural entrepreneurs' innovation capabilities.

Legal, illegal, either way informal: examining continuities of small-scale entrepreneurship between late socialism and postsocialism in Czechia

ABSTRACT The aim of this study is to capture the continuities and transformations of everyday small-scale business practice in the period of “long change” between late socialism and postsocialism in Czechoslovakia/Czech Republic. Both of these periods are characterized by the employment of informal and purely illegal practices, although they took on different meanings in both periods. To capture continuities and differences, we employ the concepts of field, capital and habitus developed by Pierre Bourdieu. Based on interviews with small-scale entrepreneurs active in both periods under review, we argue that informality and illicit practices in the late socialist period primarily enabled entrepreneurs to fulfil consumption needs in a dysfunctional planned economy. In this regard, small entrepreneurs were willing to use a large amount of different informal practices to achieve material goals. The article demonstrates that in the post-1989 era of neoliberal reform, small-scale entrepreneurs continued to employ informal and illegal practices as a means of “playing the system”, integrating them into their formal business efforts in order, among other things, to sustain their businesses in the face of new conditions of liberalization, increasing competition and criminality. The article thus analyses economic transformation through the tension between institutional change and continuity of social practices.

Multiple Taxation And Business Survival in Anambra State, Nigeria

The study investigated the relationship between multiple taxation and business survival in Awka, Anambra state. The specific objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of existing tax policies in fostering a conducive environment for business survival and to analyze the coping strategies businesses employ in response to multiple taxations. A survey research design was employed on a population of 330 from 11 small-scale entrepreneurs in Awka Anambra State. Taro Yamane’s formula was used to obtain a sample size of 319. This study employed primary data gathered through structured questionnaires distributed to managers/owners of 319 Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Awka, Anambra State. The hypotheses were tested using the Chi-squared test with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences V.22. The findings revealed that there is a significant relationship between the effectiveness of existing tax policies and multiple taxations (p-value = 0.000); there is a significant relationship between multiple taxations and coping strategies employed by businesses (p-value = 0.000). The study therefore recommends that the Anambra State Government should streamline and harmonize tax collection processes across different agencies to minimize duplication and reduce the financial burden on businesses, thereby fostering a more conducive environment for business growth and investment.

Up-scaling Social Innovations: The Eku and Implications for Enhancing Small-scale Palm Oil Production in Nigeria

The dearth of adoption of processing technologies by small-scale palm oil processors in Nigeria has resulted in poor quality of output and low extraction rates. This paper proposes that improved versions of the Eku, a community-based social innovation which enables the sharing of palm oil processing facilities can be up-scaled and diffused in the sector to improve the technological base of small-scale palm oil production in Nigeria. A framework, which emphasises removing constraints to the practicality and efficiency of social innovations with institutional and funding measures to create a prototype that will be up-scaled and diffused, is developed. The study reveals that only one of five unit operations of small-scale palm oil production is totally mechanised in the Eku and constraints affecting full mechanisation of all unit operations in the Eku include lack of awareness and funds to adopt processing technologies. The chapter recommends equipping prototype Ekus with innovations for all the un-mechanised stages of palm oil production and suggests its up-scaling and diffusion in the sector through small-scale entrepreneurs. The study concludes that the diffusion of the prototype versions of the Eku can enhance the diffusion of technological innovations in the sector.

Unveiling Small Scale Entrepreneurs’ Insights on Revenue Impact Through Social Media Marketing at Gandhinagar

This study investigates how Small-Scale Entrepreneurs perceive the impact of Social media marketing on income generation. Employing a mixed-methods design that transcends traditional quantitative and qualitative research dichotomy, the research aims to comprehensively analyse the intricate relationship between Social media marketing strategies and revenue outcomes for SSE. The study adopts both qualitative exploration and statistical measurements to capture the diverse narratives and experiential insights of Small-Scale Entrepreneurs, within a sample size of 150. The primary objectives include analyzing Small Scale Entrepreneurs perspectives on the influence of Social media marketing on revenue and examining potential connections between this impact and demographic factors. The research seeks to contribute to academic discourse, inform policymakers for the development of supportive initiatives, and provide entrepreneurs with valuable insights for strategic decision-making. Additionally, the study aims to offer nuanced perspectives on the evolving landscape of Social media marketing in the Small Scale sector. Anticipated outcomes include enhancements in the competitiveness and sustainability of the SSE sector, thereby contributing to the broader economic landscape and empowering individual enterprises to refine their Social media strategies.

Salvage technoscience: Conserving and extracting the value of the Amazon Rainforest

Very few forests take up as much space in contemporary Western imagination as the Amazon. It is the archetypical mythological forest that many people want to save and even more people want to exploit. Over the years, it has been the object of multiple campaigns to ‘save the rainforest’ from resource extraction both within South America and beyond, within scientific communities as well as broader publics. This article addresses a concern with how to extract the resources of the Amazon Forest in ways that are more sustainable than past and contemporary logging, mining and farming. This concern is promoted by Brazilian scientists who have allied themselves with well-intended tech industry initiatives and small-scale entrepreneurs. We refer to this combination of conservation with extraction as salvage technoscience, an approach currently dominating the struggle for the resources of the Amazon by attempting to reconcile the opposing views of the forest as an economic asset and as an object to be preserved. Our contribution thus demonstrates the interwoven nature of capitalist extraction and environmental conservation under the auspices of technoscientific progress.

The Critical Role of Implementing Partners: Evidence From Training Micro and Small Enterprises Across 12 Financial Service Providers

Despite access to financial resources, many micro and small-scale entrepreneurs struggle to grow their businesses due to management inefficiencies. This study analyses a globally recognized ILO business training initiative in Indonesia, involving 12 financial service providers in 2018. Using an RCT and panel data from 3,975 clients to study the impacts of the business training we find largely null results across a large range of outcomes. Exploiting variation across financial institutions implementing the program, we show that one financial service provider demonstrated significant improvements in its clients’ behaviours. This uneven outcome suggests that the efficacy of large-scale interventions critically depends on the quality of implementation by individual partners. The overarching conclusions advise restraint in broadly expanding these programs, while simultaneously highlighting the crucial role of partner selection in the successful implementation of these initiatives.

Study on the challenges of women small scale entrepreneurs in the business of traditional snacks (Appalu) of Telangana state

Study on the challenges of women small scale entrepreneurs in the business of traditional snacks (Appalu) of Telangana state

Evaluation of storage stability of dietary fibre incorporated aerobically packaged spent hen meat snacks at ambient temperature

PurposeThe purpose of the study was to produce a healthier, convenient and traditional ready-to-eat (RTE) snack option with increased nutritional value, using spent hen meat, dietary fibre (DF) and simple technological methods. The product was designed to be stable without refrigeration and be easily adoptable by local self-help groups, rural women and youth and entrepreneurs in urban and semi-urban areas.Design/methodology/approachConventional binder used for making snacks, i.e. rice flour was partially replaced by different sources of antioxidant DFs, i.e. oat flour (T1 – 10%), finger millet flour (T2 – 5%) and amaranth flour (T3 –15%) to prepare spent hen snack sticks (SHSS). The snacks were then packaged in low density polyethylene (LDPE) pouches and evaluated for their storage stability at ambient temperature for a period of 35 days. Their physico-chemical, sensory and microbiological quality was evaluated at a regular interval of 7 days. The proximate composition of developed SHSS was compared to commercially available snack products (chakli/murukku – snacks without meat).FindingsThe fibre-enriched SHSS showed significant improvement in nutritive value, as they contained more fibre (p = 0.001) and protein (p = 0.029) than control SHSS. When compared to commercially available snack product SHSS showed three-fold significant increase in protein (p = 0.000) and ash content (p = 0.001) and only 11%–12% total fat as compared to 31% fat in the market-available product. The most acceptable treatment in terms of overall sensory quality and nutritional aspects was T3; however, T2 was more shelf-stable during the storage period. The study showed that fibre-enriched snacks can be stored at ambient temperature for up to 35 days without substantial loss in physico-chemical, sensory and microbial quality. Hence, substituting rice flour with DFs can lead to the development of products with better sensory attributes and improved functionality.Social implicationsThe simplicity of the product in terms of composition, machinery and low production costs makes it an easily adoptable one by small-scale entrepreneurs, especially those belonging to semi-urban areas.Originality/valueIncorporation of spent hen meat, a relatively cheap but abundant source of protein, in RTE products can serve as an effective way to alleviate protein malnutrition, whereas addition of fibre further improves the functionality of the product. The methodology can be easily taken up by small-scale entrepreneurs and create a market for snack-based functional meat products.

Analysis on the Interest of Micro and Small-Scale Entrepreneur (UMK) in Kenagarian Sikucua Utara to Obtain the Halal Certificate Through The Sertifikasi Halal Gratis (SEHATI) Program with Self-Declare Scheme

Makanan halal menjadi perhatian khusus karena selain sebagai kebutuhan sehari-hari, makanan halal juga menjamin kebaikan, kebersihan dan manfaatnya bagi tubuh. Keterjaminan halal dari suatu produk makanan memerlukan sertifikasi dari lembaga yang berwenang. Saat ini pemerintah Negara Indonesia mencanangkan program sertifikasi halal bagi produk makan dan minuman melalui program sertifikasi halal gratis (SEHATI) melalui skema self-declare. Program ini memiliki 1 Juta kuota sertifikat halal dan membutuhkan pendamping proses produk halal (PPH) dalam pengajuannya. Akan tetapi pemerataan dan ketersebaran informasi terhadap program SEHATI belum maksimal dikarenakan terbatas nya media dan sumber daya manusia. Oleh karena itu tim pengabdian kepada masyarakat dan Lembaga Pendamping Proses Produk Halal (LP3H) Universitas Negeri Padang melaksanakan sosialisasi, edukasi dan pendampingan terhadap pelaku usaha di negeri Sikucua Utara, Kabupaten Padang Pariaman. Setelah dilaksanakannya edukasi, perlu dilakukan analisa terhadap minat pelaku usaha dalam mengurus sertifikat halal dalam program SEHATI. Variabel minat dievaluasi dari lima aspek yang terdiri dari perhatian, ketertarikan, keinginan, keyakinan, dan tindakan. Data dikumpulkan menggunakan kuesioner dengan responden yang berjumlah 21 orang. Dari data yang diperoleh diketahui bahwa pelaku usaha memiliki tingkat minat yang sangat tinggi pada semua aspek yang dievaluasi.

INTERNET RESOURCES FOR APPAREL ENTREPRENEURSHIP BY SMALL AND MEDIUM SCALE ENTERPRISES IN AKWA IBOM STATE

The study determined the internet resources for apparel entrepreneurship among small and medium scale enterprises in Akwa Ibom State. Three specific objectives were stated, and three research questions were raised to guide the study. Survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised 151 registered small and medium scale entrepreneurs of apparel in Uyo Senatorial District, Akwa Ibom State. The sample size of 120was drawn from the population through simple random sampling technique. A researcher-developed instrument titled “Internet Resources for Apparel Entrepreneurship Questionnaire (IRAEQ)” was used to collect data for the study. Mean and chi-square statistics were used for data analysis. Findings of the study revealed that internet resources such as Facebook, Google, TikTok, Instagram, UseNet, Appstore, WhatsApp, YouTube, Podcast, Business Blogs, Startup app are appropriate for apparel. Also, internet resources help in communication, advertisement, information, marketing, styles and designs on apparel entrepreneurship. Some small and medium scale entrepreneurs could not access information on apparel businesses due to lack of digital skills and facilities. There is a significant influence of utilizing internet resources for apparel entrepreneurship. The researchers recommend among others that small and medium enterprises should be well funded by government for the procurement of internet facilities.

Assessment-driven Module Development Framework for Business Training involving Small Scale Malaysian Entrepreneurs

This paper presents the Quality Assured Module Maker (QAMM) framework, a strategic conceptual tool crafted for the development of high-quality training modules and continuous program evaluation of the Financial Literacy Program (FLP). Providing business training to 3,000 small-scale Malaysian entrepreneurs under the B40 socioeconomic category, FLP operates under the auspices of the Income Enhancement Initiative (Inisiatif Pendapatan Rakyat or IPR), led by the Ministry of Economy. The program offers financial incentives to aid small-scale entrepreneurs in starting and enhancing their business operations. The FLP strategically aims to strengthen financial literacy, managerial skills, and future financial capacity of its participants, thereby contributing to the sustainability of their businesses. The large scale and participant base of the program necessitate the importance of high-quality modules for successful training outcomes. The QAMM framework is central to the development of 45 comprehensive modules across five thematic areas within FLP. Unique in its approach, the framework integrates educational assessment theories and methodologies, serving as a pivotal instrument for ensuring uniform and consistent training delivery. It employs constructive alignment to align training delivery with skill acquisition goals, thereby fulfilling intended objectives and ensuring high content validity. This paper articulates the theoretical foundations, components, elements, and practical applications of the QAMM framework. Significantly, the QAMM framework is utilized not only in module development but also in module evaluation, which is conducted concurrently with the module development. This ongoing evaluation provides continuous data for module improvement, exemplifying a dynamic approach to evaluation approach in entrepreneurial training. The paper delves into the innovative use of educational assessment methodologies in module development framework, addressing a significant research gap in the effectiveness of business training for small-scale entrepreneurs in developing countries.

INTERNET RESOURCES FOR APPAREL ENTREPRENEURSHIP BY SMALL AND MEDIUM SCALE ENTERPRISES IN AKWA IBOM STATE

The study determined the internet resources for apparel entrepreneurship among small and medium scale enterprises in Akwa Ibom State. Three specific objectiveswere stated,and three research questions were raised to guide the study. Survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised 151 registered small and medium scale entrepreneurs of apparel inUyo Senatorial District, Akwa Ibom State. The sample size of 120was drawn from the population through simplerandom sampling technique. A researcher-developed instrument titled“Internet Resources for Apparel Entrepreneurship Questionnaire (IRAEQ)” was used to collect data for the study. Mean and chi-square statistics were used for data analysis. Findings of the study revealed that internet resources such as Facebook, Google, TikTok, Instagram, UseNet, Appstore, WhatsApp, YouTube, Podcast, Business Blogs, Startup app are appropriate for apparel. Also, internet resources help in communication, advertisement, information, marketing, styles and designs on apparel entrepreneurship.Some small and medium scaleentrepreneurs could not access information on apparel businesses due to lack of digital skills and facilities. There is a significant influence of utilizing internet resources for apparel entrepreneurship.The researchers recommend among others that small and medium enterprises should be well fundedby government for the procurement of internet facilities.

Causes of Poverty among Genders in Micro and Small Scale Enterprises in Jalingo, Nigeria

Ending poverty is a key issue of discussion in the world and the first goal of the seventeen sustainable development goals. Nigeria is richly endowed with natural resources, yet her people are severely improvised, trapped in vicious cycle of poverty. High levels of poverty among genders have been found to be detrimental to people’s well-being and economic growth. Previous studies on microcredit were mostly in relation to economic growth with little attention on poverty and genders. This study fills this gap by investigating the relationship between micro-credit and Poverty among genders of micro and small-scale entrepreneurs. The simple unifying neoclassical scarcity-driven poverty theoretical framework and cross-sectional survey research design were adopted. Data analysis was based on the questionnaires retrieved from 186 and 726 small and micro entrepreneurs, a total of 912 obtained from the 229 and 794 samples determined by the Cochran’s simple random sampling formula. The Probit and regression models were estimated using the Maximum Likelihood and Ordinary Least Square techniques respectively. Descriptive analysis was conducted to examine the demographic features of the respondents. The heteroskedasticity robust standard analysis was done and statistical significance at p? 0.05. The mean age of the respondents was 40 years and 63% were with formal education. The FGT poverty rate, depth and severity are 61.95%, 24.67% and 12.92% respectively, while the SST poverty rate is 32.68% and the Gini coefficient is 35.63%, indicating high poverty level of Poverty among the entrepreneurs. Probit results show that respondents who obtain micro-credit from deposit money banks (DMBs), microfinance banks, and relatives are less likely to be poor, with 16.9%, 11.8%, and 6.8% probabilities respectively. Also, respondents with monthly (43.88%), quarterly (48.56%), and yearly (37.08%) access to microcredi

Culinary heritage in Asia: National and regional identities – Reflections from the field

This review provides an overview of research trends on culinary heritage in Asia. The first objective is to trace a shift from the appreciation of a Western tangible cultural heritage to the recognition of non-Western intangible cultural heritage, which has underlined the prominence of food as a marker for culinary nationalism or gastronationalism (DeSoucey, 2010). Asian nations promote their culinary heritage in competitive ways. The second objective is to examine the construction of a culinary heritage on regional levels through four different case studies on China and Japan. The third objective is to showcase a rich body of research in English that has emerged in response to new forms of culinary nationalism and has emphasized the analysis of food as a powerful tool for understanding politics and international relations. This review finds that the objective of heritagization on the global level often constitutes nation branding. In contrast, culinary heritage construction on regional levels may occur for various reasons, such as branding a regional specialty, providing economic opportunities for small-scale entrepreneurs, or maintaining historical bonds between a diasporic community and their town of origin.

Contested Spaces of Exchange: Informal Cross-Border Trade on the India–Bangladesh Border

The India–Bangladesh border is the world’s fifth longest land border, a focus of political tension in an area with vibrant informal economies. Cross-border communities share culture and language and informal cross-border trade (ICBT) is well-established. This article explores ICBT on the Indian side of the border, examining its actors, power relations and spatial dimensions, and the vulnerabilities of those involved. Debates on the social and cultural roots of ICBT, and the vulnerability of small-scale entrepreneurs to a complicit state, and powerful middlemen in lucrative sectors of ICBT, inform the analysis. The trade is theorized through the lens of jugaad, the Indian term for ‘making do’ and ‘instinctive creativity’. The research draws on case studies of three cross-border sectors, everyday trade in small household goods, the politically sensitive cattle trade, and cross-border medical/healthcare services. The mechanisms of jugaad are seen to some degree in all three case studies, but heavy state regulation gives advantage to controlling middlemen and state officials. Finally, we argue that ICBT is a critical component of the wider political economy in the border regions of West Bengal, and that the forgotten sector of ICBT could, if supported by light-touch regulation, have important poverty-reduction potential in enabling livelihoods for marginalized border communities.