Abstract:
Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) contribute a colossal percentage
to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in ensuring economic growth, employment,
income stability and poverty reduction in most developing countries like Ghana.
In-spite of the above roles most of these enterprises are now collapsing as a
result of not performing creditably well. It is in line with this that this study
examines the effect of entrepreneurial skills on the performance of the
Bolgatanga smock enterprises. The subject was investigated using a descriptive
survey method that employs both qualitative and quantitative techniques to
collect and analyze data using instruments such as questionnaires and
interviews. Both open and close ended questions were designed for the study.
The study showed that majority of entrepreneurs in the Bolgatanga smock
industry had no or very little training on entrepreneurship and were engaged in
enterprises which were necessity-based rather than opportunity-based. The
study also found out those entrepreneurs who had entrepreneurial skills
performed above average. They had the ability to recognize potentially
profitable business opportunities and were risk takers. Prior knowledge of
customers’ needs and management skills were also important but were rated
low. Several challenges were noted to affect growth and performance of the
smock industry. These included poor access to credit facility, lack of adequate
market, lack of business training and absence of government support. The study
recommended training on entrepreneurial skills and provision of support
services to the enterprise owners
