IMPACT OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP TRAININGS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF MICRO AND SMALL ENTERPRISES IN ARBAMINCH TOWN: (A CASE STUDY OF DIGITAL OPPORTUNITY TRUST (DOT-ETHIOPIA PROJECT)

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to test whether there is relation among DOT-Ethiopia entrepreneurship training program and the performance of MSEs operators. Thus, to achieve the objectives of the study quantitative research using a descriptive and causal study models were deployed to explore the situation, phenomena, frequencies of variables and then also variables of study were analysed by correlation and regression models. The descriptive statistics (mean & standard deviation) were used to determine the status of DOT -Ethiopia entrepreneurship training programs. Correlation matrixes were used to analyse the relationship between entrepreneurship trainings and perceived performance of MSEs operators. In addition, the regression analysis was also used to investigate the impact of DOT-Ethiopia entrepreneurship training programs on perceived performance of MSEs. In order to find the relevant data, researcher took a sample of 110 MSEs among the participants of DOT-Ethiopia trainings by using simple random and stratified samplings. The finding revealed that DOT-Ethiopia entrepreneurship training programs/packages has low, intermediate and high correlations with the performances of ArbaMinch town MSEs Operators. Specifically, Business planning preparation training has positive strong correlation with performances of MSEs and other t wo categories of the trainings such as Marketing and business management has both intermediate and strong correction on some variables. On the other hand, accounting or financial management trainings were found to be low and intermediate correlation with performances MSEs. Regression analysis indicated that DOT-Ethiopia entrepreneurship training programs has significantly positive impact on performance of MSEs operators. Among other, Business planning trainings was found to be the strongest and best predictor of the MSEs perceived performance than other categories of the trainings. Based on these findings of the study recommend that efforts should be made by the government, NGOs and Business Development Services (BDS) providers to ensure and enhance av ailability of these training packages to all MSEs operators in the town.