APPLICATION OF AIDS TO TRADE ON GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF SMALL-SCALE BUSINESS BY ENTREPRENEURS IN ASABA, DELTA STATE

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the application of aids to trade on growth and development of small-scale business by entrepreneurs in Asaba, Delta State. Survey research design was adopted in the conduct of the study. The population of this study consists of 1,072 registered small-scale business organizations in Asaba, Delta State. Simple random sampling technique was used to sample a total of 107 (10%) business owners of the selected categories of small-scale businesses. The instrument for data collection was the questionnaire. The instrument was validated by two experts. The reliability test of the instrument was done using Spearman's Rank Order correlation which yielded a coefficient of 0.86 indicating the instrument was reliable. Validated copies of the questionnaires were distributed to the respondents through the help of two experienced research assistants. Out of the 107 instruments distributed, only 88 were retrieved which indicated 81% retrieval rate. 29 instruments were not used because during the time of retrieval, some the respondents were not available. Data collected from respondents were analyzed using statistical tool of mean and standard deviation for the research questions. Result showed that entrepreneurs apply the available aids to trade in enhancing growth and development of small-scale business in Asaba, Delta State. More so, there are several challenges encountered by entrepreneurs when applying available aids to trade for enhancing growth and development of small-scale business in Asaba, Delta State. It was concluded that aids to trade are available in enhancing growth of small-scale businesses in Asaba, Delta State. The study, recommended that entrepreneurs of small-scale business should ensure to adopt the use of aids to trade in conduct of their businesses as this will give room for growth, development and expansion.