Access to finance and Women Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises performance in Kaduna State: Role of business networking
Access to finance and Women Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises performance in Kaduna State: Role of business networking

Summary/Abstract: Women Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (WMSMEs) are crucial for Nigeria's economic growth, yet they face significant challenges in accessing finance and business networks. In this study, the role of business networking on the access to finance and WMSME performance in Kaduna State, Nigeria is examined. Utilising a cross-sectional design, the study focused on the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Program (GEEP) 2.0, with a population of 5,086 participants. A sample of 356 respondents was drawn using multi-stage sampling techniques. Data was analyzed using Smart PLS 4, revealing significant positive effects: both access to finance and business networking independently improve WMSME performance. Additionally, business networking partially mediates the relationship between access to finance and performance, underscoring the importance of social connections in leveraging financial resources for business growth. These findings highlight the need for targeted policies promoting financial inclusion and networking platforms tailored to women entrepreneurs, fostering economic empowerment and sustainable development in the region.

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