Factors affecting performance of women micro and small enterprises in Arusha DC

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the factors affecting performance of women Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in Arusha District Council. Specifically, the study intended to achieve three specific objectives including;toexamine performance of women micro and small enterprises in Arusha DC, to assess role of local governments in promoting performance of micro and small enterprises, to determine influence of entrepreneurial skills on performance of micro and small enterprises.The study Theory was Complexity Theory andThis study involve quantitative ApproachThis study adopted an explanatory research design and it involved a total of 111 respondents, who were owners of MSEs. Data were collected using a questionnaire. Findings revealed that MSEs performed fairly well with average sales of TZS 151,837 TZS per day and net worth of TZS 2,583,666. Business supportive services offered by Arusha District Council were perceived not to influence business performance. Informal networking skills were found to have negative effect on business performance while strategic business communication skills had positive effect. The study concluded that local government did not provide enough supportive services to enhance performance of micro and small business. It was also concluded that not all types of skills do promote performance of micro and small enterprises. Arusha City Council should create better environment which can harness growth of MSEs through provision of utilities and training programs which are geared towards acquisition of skills. Owners of MSEs should also strive to acquire business communication skills through participation in relevant entrepreneurial skills