ABSTRACT

The aim of the study was to examine the effect of COVID 19 on SME performance in Edo State. The study used a survey research design as its methodology. 1,631 SMEs in Edo State made up the study sample. A sample size of 150 was chosen using the Taro Yamane formula. The questionnaire used for the study was made available online via a google form link. The descriptive and generalized technique of moments was used to examine the data for the study. The results showed that, in terms of both people and financial performance, SMEs have been significantly impacted by COVID-19. According to the survey, a sizeable fraction of the workers had COVID-19, which probably decreased productivity and efficiency. Additionally, the financial performance of SMEs was negatively affected, with lower profits, sales, and cashflow. Despite implementing coping strategies, the negative effect of COVID-19 on financial performance was not curtailed. It was also found that years of work experiences and educational qualification, had a positive and significant impact on SMEs performance. Based on the findings, the study recommends that the palliatives from stakeholders be implemented with critical oversight to individuals and SMEs affected immensely by the COVID 19 pandemic.