IMPACT OF BUSINESS EDUCATION ON SMEs IN EDO STATE

ABSTRACT

This study assessed the impact of Business Education on SMEs in Edo State. Four research questions were raised to guide the study. The study employed a descriptive survey research design. The population of the study comprised one hundred (100) entrepreneurs in the following line of business; fashion designing, bakery, hair dressing, graphic designing and sachet water production businesses in Edo State. The sample size of the study was made up of one hundred (100) entrepreneurs. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire and it was validated by the supervisor and two experts in the Department of Vocational and Technical Education, Cronbach alpha statistics was employed to measure the level of consistency of items to give a coefficient of 0.70 The findings generally showed the impact of Business Education to the growth of SMEs in Edo State. The finding explains that Business Education exposes entrepreneurs to the skills (leadership skills, communication skills, accounting skills, management skills) and knowledge needed to achieve growth in SMEs. It also empowers entrepreneurs and students with educational and business competencies needed to effectively cope with the challenges in the world of work. The study further gives the importance of business education to graduates of the course and how it provides job opportunities.