A Quantitative Analysis of Selected Variables on their Impact to Small Business Growth in the eThekwini Region

Abstract

Over the years researchers and academics have used several terminologies to elucidate small business growth. However, underlining events which each entity undergo still remains more or less the same. The purpose of this quantitative study was to investigate the impact of selected variables on the growth ofsmall businesses in the eThekwini Region of KwaZulu Natal in South Africa. From a total population of 220 small businesses with more than ten years of active business operations within the research settings, a sample of 119 owners-managers were randomly selected to provide empirical data. Data collection was based on primary data, by using closed ended questionnaire as the main research instrument. The bivariate correlation analysis is employed to ascertain the set study objective. The final outcomes revealed that business growth might not be positively linked to educational achievement of owner-managers. The researchers recommend that entrepreneurial education should be introduced and be prioritised to every grade 12 learners across the educational settings in the research settings. Further collaboration is required between educators and trainers of potential industry-based entrepreneurs across the eThekwini Region to enable all the role players utilise the rich experiences of members. The level of collaboration could be of utmost benefits to educators in all the learning institutions throughout the region in designing entrepreneurial training programmes and education curriculum in all the schools.

Keywords

• small business growth
• business size
• business age
• entrepreneurs