Author
Dike, Goodfaith Nnenna (Ph.D)
Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam Campus
08066522776
Full-text
Abstract
Research Objectives: The study investigated women entrepreneurship and poverty alleviation: a critical assessment of SMEs sustainability in Anambra state, Nigeria. Two specific objectives were formulated which were to determine the effect of, access to funding and networking opportunities on poverty alleviation.
Methodology: Relevant literature on women entrepreneurship and poverty alleviation were reviewed under the conceptual review, theoretical framework, theoretical exposition and empirical review. The research was anchored on socio-economic theory. Survey research design was adopted. The population of the study was 1326 employees. The statistical formula devised by Borg and Gall (1973) was employed to arrive at a sample size of 255. Pearson product moment correlation coefficient formula was used to test the hypotheses.
Findings: The result of the hypotheses shows access to funding opportunities has a significant positive effect on SMEs sustainability in Anambra state, Nigeria with tcal= 3.053 > ttab=2.35. Networking opportunities has a significant positive effect on SMEs sustainability in Anambra state, Nigeria with tcal= 3.36 > ttab=2.35.
Conclusion: The study concluded that women entrepreneurship development plays a critical role in poverty alleviation.
Recommendation: The study recommended that government, non-profits organizations and private and corporate organizations should provide several grants programs aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs, providing them the necessary resources to start and grow their businesses.
Key words: Women Entrepreneurship, Poverty alleviation, Access to funding, Networking opportunities.
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