Usage of Online Business Advisory by Micro-entrepreneurs: Case of Cloth Tailoring Enterprises in Uganda

Abstract

Online platforms are becoming common and a way to enhanced interaction and wider reach. However, micro-entrepreneurs have generally not embraced online services for business development and support. Micro-entrepreneurs have largely failed during infancy owing to factors like technology use. Even with the business advisory service that is widely preached by government and non-government providers, micro entrepreneurs are still challenged. Concerns of business advisory outreach are largely raised. Using a quantitative approach the study sought to identify the advisory services needed, those accessed online and the reasons for using on not using the existing online platforms to access business advisory. The study was narrowed down to micro-entrepreneurs operating in the textile industry. The study provides insight about the state of internet-based business advisory in the micro-entrepreneurial society of Uganda. It was generally noted that micro-entrepreneurs prefer physical access to online access of business advisory although they acknowledge the benefits associated with online platforms. Limited knowledge and skills on how to use these platforms coped with the busy daily schedule limits the time available to search for advice online.