Factors Influencing the Performance of Small Scale Entrepreneurs in the Garment Industry of the Tamale Metropolis of Ghana

Abstract

The aim of this study is to find out factors influencing the performance of Small Scale Entrepreneurs (SSEs) operating in the garment industry in the Tamale Metropolis of Northern Ghana. The study is necessary because of the immense contribution of SSEs to the economy of Ghana, in terms of the provision of employment, creation of wealth, and generation of revenue to government for national development. A framework on factors influencing entrepreneurial success has been used to support the study. A total of 84 respondents were randomly sampled for the study, but 83 responses were received. Respondents were asked to respond to questions regarding factors influencing performance of SSEs. Pearson Correlation Matrix was used to establish relationship between variables. The result has proved that there is a positive relationship between some dimensions of Entrepreneur characteristics, (specifically gender and age), a positive relationship between some dimensions of characteristics of enterprise (size and location) and Entrepreneurial performance, and a positive relationship between some dimensions of the external environment (market base and information access). However, other dimensions of characteristics of entrepreneurs, characteristics of enterprise, and the external environment on entrepreneurial performance showed no significant relationship with entrepreneur performance. For policy intervention, I recommend that the Government of Ghana makes available easy and reliable access to information (internet access) for the benefit and development of SSEs.