ENTREPRENEURIAL BEHAVIOUR AND THE PERFORMANCE OF SMALL AND MEDIUM SCALE ENTERPRISE IN KWARA STATE

Abstract

This research looked at how entrepreneurial conduct affected small- and medium-sized
businesses' ability to survive in Kwara State. This study examines the mindset of
entrepreneurs as shown by their inventiveness, risk-taking, business acumen, and
inventiveness and how these qualities impacted SMEs' success. The study focused on 650
small and medium-sized businesses that were situated in the city of Ilorin. Data was gathered
from a sample of 250 SMEs in the city of Ilorin that were chosen using a stratified random
sampling procedure using a self-administered questionnaire. With the use of the Statistical
Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), descriptive and inferential statistics were used to
analyse the collected data. Multiple regression analysis and correlation were used to assess
the data and evaluate the hypotheses. According to the research, SMEs' success was
significantly impacted by their innovativeness, inventiveness, business acumen, and
willingness to take risks. The research came to the conclusion that understanding elements
that are directly linked to entrepreneurial mentality, such as growth mindset, creativity,
motivation, and risk-taking propensity, is crucial in order to develop ways to boost the
entrepreneurial mindset. The study therefore recommended that in order to foster innovation
among current and future entrepreneurs, policy makers and other stakeholders should build
on their entrepreneurial behaviour and approaches to boost the performance of SMEs
towards the achievement of sustainable growth.