Impact of women entrepreneurs on the growth of small and medium enterprises in Kaduna State

Abstract

The women role in entrepreneurship is derivable. Personal experience, knowledge, education and training are accumulated human resources than the women entrepreneurs contribute to the enterprise. Thus the aim of the study is to investigate the impact of women entrepreneurs on the growth of Small and Medium Enterprise in Kaduna State. This was achieved by determining the influence of education of women entrepreneurs and establishing the effect of work experience acquired by women entrepreneurs have on the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises in Kaduna State. The study was conducted in Kaduna Metropolis, Zaria, Birin-Gwari, Kafanchan, Kachia, and Zonkwa towns of the state. These towns are cosmopolitan. A total of 112 questionnaires were sent out and administered to the respondents. 75 of the questionnaires were returned and considered useable representing 68% of the response rate. Data was analyzed using regression analysis to establish findings. The findings have shown that education and work experience of women entrepreneurs have effect on the growth of SMEs in Kaduna State. As can be seen in the rate of turnover and number of employees the SMEs generated. The study recommended that women entrepreneurs should start business which they have acquired skills and work experience so as to enhance the quality and growth of SMEs in Kaduna State.