ABSTRACTS

The goal of this study is to demonstrate how microfinance institutions can influence the entrepreneurial growth of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) with reference to Edo State and, indirectly, Nigeria. A sample size of 100 was achieved using basic random sampling techniques out of a population of 131 in the study. The main tool used to collect data was the questionnaire. 100 copies of the questionnaire were distributed in total, and 75 of those copies were completed and returned. Regression analysis was used to test the research hypotheses using SPSS, and tables and percentages were used to analyze the research questions. The study's conclusions are that microfinance institutions have a significant impact on the growth of sustainable SMEs in Edo State and that there are no significant differences among the issues impeding the institutions' ability to effectively finance entrepreneurs and thus achieve their goal. In order to significantly increase the contribution and impact of microfinance banks on the expansion of the index of business activities of own operations (entrepreneurship) in Nigeria, the study's findings indicate that there is still much work to be done. The study suggests that microfinance education campaigns should target rural communities. For instance, public seminars could be held there to properly orient residents to the functions of microfinance and how it can help them expand their businesses.