Abstract:
The objective of the study was to examine the effect of entrepreneurial training on youth
enterprise performance with the mediating role of entrepreneurial orientation in Arba Minch
town. To achieve the study objectives, descriptive and explanatory cross-sectional survey design
was used. Primary data was collected through utilizing closed-ended and open-ended
questionnaire, structured and semi-structured interviews. Data analysis work was done through
the use of descriptive statistics and Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling. The
entrepreneurial training (financial management practice, marketing skills, and communication
skills, managerial skills, and experience) had a statistically significant and strong positive
impact on youth enterprise performance. Pro-activeness as one of the entrepreneurship
orientation, opportunity, and alternative seeking inclination of the sample population was weak
in the case of the study area where, in dealing with competitors, their firm typically does not
initiate actions that competitors then respond to. Moreover, there was a strong and positive
association between entrepreneurial orientation and youth enterprise performance. The finding
also assured that entrepreneurial training and entrepreneurial orientation have a positive and
significant influence on entrepreneurship performance in the case of the study area. The
concluding remark here is therefore, as to the general effect making the dimensions latent,
entrepreneurial orientation mediates and predicted significantly the youth enterprise
performance after the interacting effect. Therefore, the entrepreneurial training and orientation
should be given on regular basis to solve multifaceted skill problems to solve searching
difficulties for new markets to diversify the demand forecast effectively and efficiently.
