Entrepreneurship Review

Characteristics and Determinants of New Start-ups in Gujarat, India

Ajay Kumar — 2020-09-13

Purpose: This study examines the relationship of socio-economic characteristics of start-ups with their size in Gujarat, India. It also assesses the determinants affecting the annual sale of start-ups.

Methods: It includes primary information based on a survey of 120 founders of start-ups. Linear and semi-log linear regression models have been applied to assess the determinants of start-ups. Probit regression models have been considered to assess the factors affecting the annual sale of the start-ups.

Results: Stage of start-up, the participation of founders in conferences, educational qualification, and new products launched by start-ups, professional connections of founders, source of funding, and support from incubator/accelerator/supporting organizations are found crucial determinants of start-up size in Gujarat. The annual sales of the start-ups are positively associated with stage of start-up, support from a mentor, team members, founder's academic qualification, and collaboration with national or international organizations, unskilled workers.

Implications: Technology transfer and commercialization, development of new products, government regulations, the requirement of costumers, free rights for entrepreneurs, appropriate financial support for new entrepreneurs, transparency and clarity in government policies, the establishment of high-tech start-ups, and development of digital infrastructure, increase in R&D spending in research academia, and association of research institutions with entrepreneurs would be conducive to create an appropriate start-ups ecosystem and to reduce regional development disparities across Indian states. Subsequently, it would be helpful to increase sustainable development in India.

Originality: This study has used primary information of 120 founders of start-ups to assess the determinants, and the factors affecting annual sales of start-ups using the regression model in, Gujrat, India. Thus, it has an empirical contribution to the body of knowledge.

Limitations: This study could not provide rational justifications on most factors that show an insignificant impact on start-ups due to the small sample size. Further research, therefore, may be considered to identify the association of start-up size with the variables using a large sample size in India.

Effect of Strategic Intent on Performance of Small and Medium Scale Printing Press Firms in Abuja, Nigeria

Felicia Eze — 2020-09-18

Purpose: This study investigates the effect of strategic intent on the performance of small and medium scale printing firms in Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nigeria.

Methods: The population of the study included all the small and medium scale printing press in Abuja which is 226 and the sample size of 68. A multiple regression model was formulated to estimate the effect of strategic intent (vision, mission, and objectives) on performance (growth) of small and medium scale printing press firms in Abuja. The study also adopted a control variable such as finance to have a better coefficient of determination.

Findings: The study found that strategic intent had a positive and significant effect on the growth of small and medium scale printing press firms in Nigeria. The study also found that finance (collateral, access to finance, and insufficient finance) had a negative and insignificant effect on the growth of small and medium scale printing press firms in Nigeria.

Implication: Small and medium printing press firms in Abuja, FCT should communicate their vision, mission statement, and objectives to their employees. The microfinance banks in collaboration with the central bank of Nigeria should minimize collateral conditions in obtaining microcredit from microfinance banks.

Financial Literacy and Women Entrepreneurs’ Performance in Lagos State, Nigeria

S.M Abodunde — 2020-10-06

Purpose: The study seeks to examine the influence of financial literacy on women entrepreneurs’ performance with particular reference to Lagos State, Nigeria.

Methods: A survey research design was employed for this study and a judgmental sampling technique was used to select 250 women entrepreneurs engaging in trading, teaching, fashion design, and agro-allied businesses. Mean, frequency, simple percentage, and least square method of estimation were used to analyze the data.

Results: The study establishes that financial literacy is a major determinant of women entrepreneurs’ performance.

Implications: The implication of this study is that if women entrepreneurs are equipped with an array of financial skills on income statement preparation, cash flow statement and cash budget preparation, the opening of a separate account for business, bookkeeping, internal control on cash, and daily cash reconciliation, they will be able to expand their businesses.