AN ASSESSMENT OF SMALL-SCALE ENTERPRISE AND GROWTH OF THE SOCIETY

ABSTRACT: The focus of this study is to examine small-scale enterprise and growth of the society  using Abak local government in Akwaibom State  as case study. The research adopted a descriptive survey design was employed to assess the opinions of the respondents. A total of 150 participant were selected from 15 sampled small businesses in Abak.  Well structured questionnaire was issued to the 150 respondent of which total of 141 responses were retrieved  and validated for the study. Data was analyzed in frequencies using  mean and standard deviation. Hypothesis test was conducted using Pearson correlation statistical tool (SPSS v.2.3).

Findings from the study revealed that there is a significance relationship between the growth of small businesses and economic development in Abak Local government. however that problems like startup funds, inconsiderate government policies, lack of management skills have challenged the efficiency of small businesses. The study therefore recommends that Government should encourage philanthropists and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to supplement their effort in providing moral, technical and financial support for the development of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs).