ADEQUACY OF FUNDING AND GROWTH OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SMEs) IN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

The study examined the adequacy of funding and growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria. The cross-sectional research was adopted and primary data (questionnaire) formed the major instrument of data collection. Three hundred and thirty-one (331) questionnaires were administered, out of which 309 were fully completed and retrieved. The data obtained in the fieldwork were analysed using both descriptive (mean, standard deviation, simple percentages) and the inferential (simple regression) statistical tools. Findings indicated that, while venture capital and business angels significantly affected SMEs growth, bank overdraft and trade credit had insignificant effect on the growth of SMEs. Given the findings, it was recommended among others that SMEs should discourage the use of trade credits and bank overdraft in funding SMEs. Also, there should be good policies by the government aimed at encouraging venture capital and business angels to promote SMEs growth.

Key Words: Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Development Agency, Funding Position, Venture Capital, Business Angel, Bank Overdraft, Trade Credit.

Word Count: 143.