Entrepreneurship Development Programmes and Market Expansion of Small and Medium Enterprises in Kebbi State: A Cross-sectional Survey

Abstract

This study examined the association between entrepreneurship development programmes and the market expansion of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Kebbi State, Nigeria. A quantitative cross-sectional descriptive survey design was adopted. From a population of 1,280 registered SMEs, a target sample size of 305 was determined using the Taro Yamane formula, while the reported analyses were based on 269 observations obtained from SME owners and managers who had participated in entrepreneurship development programmes. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression at the 5% significance level. The regression model explained 75.6% of the variation in market expansion (R² = 0.756) and was statistically significant, F (4, 264) = 204.855, p < 0.001. Technology Adoption (B = 0.331, p < 0.001), Awareness and Motivation (B = 0.311, p < 0.001), and Skills Development (B = 0.231, p < 0.001) showed statistically significant positive associations with market expansion. Access to Finance was not statistically significant in the fitted model (B = 0.040, p = 0.365). The findings indicate that programme-related skills, entrepreneurial awareness and motivation, and technology adoption are positively associated with SME market expansion in the study sample. Financial-support mechanisms may require further attention within integrated entrepreneurship development programmes.