Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs): A Catalyst in Promoting Economic Development in Nigeria

Abstract

This research paper has specifically x-rayed the concept of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) and it was defined as a business which is owned, led by one or a few persons, with direct owner(s) influence in decision making, and having a relatively small share of the market and relatively low capital requirement. The contributions of SMEs to the economy were examined in this paper. The problems confronting SMEs and the possible strategies of combating the problems were also examined. A conceptual framework was developed by the authors and it explains/illustrates the series of variables that are integral in the area of SMEs and the effects it can possibly have on the economy. The concept of Economic Development was briefly described. A section was devoted to examining the roles of SMEs for economic Development in Nigeria. One of the major recommendations advanced in this paper was that the Government should urgently invest massively in improving the current infrastructural base in the country.

Keywords: SMEs, Economic development and growth