Small And Medium Business Enterprise Opportunities And Capacity Development in Nigeria The Abia State in Focus

Abstract

This study is aimed at identifying the drivers of small and medium business enterprises and the opportunities that can be leveraged to enhance the capacity development of SMEs as a vital part of economic development in Nigeria. The research was conducted under an exploratory survey, using quantitative approach. Data were collected using a non-probability sampling method of 30 SMEs trained in China by the Abia State Government. This population represented the sample size. The data analysis made use of correlation and multiple regression analysis to determine the level of association between the construct and predictors using coefficients. The findings established the facts behind the economic development of nations by SMEs through government assistance in infrastructure provision, financial aid, tax relief, training and use of modern technology. All the identified and tested variables were significant at a 5% level of significance and were positively related except for multiple taxation/levies, which was negatively related to the study. All the variables influence SMEs operations for pursuing opportunities for capacity development. The implication is that the study contributed to testifying for the seamless relationship between Abia State Government and the small-scale business operators since there are no mandatory guidelines in Nigeria on what the government should do for SMEs. The limitation is that the result is a single approach to the vast Nigerian experience.