Title:
Entrepreneurship Education: A Catalyst for the Growth of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Gboko Metropolis, Benue State-Nigeria

Authors:
IORGEMA Sunday Shiebee Ph.D, Nigeria

Abstract:

This study examines Entrepreneurship Education as a Catalyst for the Growth of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Gboko Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria. Specifically, it investigates the effects of Training Needs Assessment, Mode of Delivery, and Training Content on SME growth. Anchored on the Knowledge-Based View (KBV) Theory, the study adopted a descriptive survey design, with a population of 102 SMEs and a sample size of 102 SMEs, selected through a census sampling technique. Primary data was collected via a structured questionnaire, and 98 responses were retrieved. Regression analysis, conducted using SPSS, revealed that Training Content had the highest impact on SMEs growth, followed by Training Needs Assessment, while Mode of Delivery had the least effect. The study concludes that well-structured entrepreneurship education significantly enhances SMEs growth. It recommends regular assessment of training needs, diversification of delivery methods, and improved content quality to enhance the effectiveness of entrepreneurship education. Findings contribute to both theoretical and practical knowledge, reinforcing the importance of knowledge-based strategies in entrepreneurship development.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.51505/IJEBMR.2025.9617