Government policy, financial inclusion and performance of SMEs in South Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: This study seeks to determine the contribution of government policy and Financial Inclusion (FI) to the financial and non-financial performance of SMEs in South Eastern Nigeria. Research Design & Methods: The study adopts qualitative methodology. The interview guide was pre-tested for reliability and validity. The study data were generated from purposively selected one hundred and twenty respondents. The audio recorded interview was transcribed and subjected to thematic content analysis. Findings: SMEs that received support from the government recorded marginal financial performance and improved non-financial performance. Also, SMEs that adopted FI strategies and devices experienced improvement in both their financial and non-financial performance. However, SMEs that combined government, friends and family supports, and FI strategies and devices recorded better improvements in their financial and non-financial performance. Contribution & Value Added: The combination of government, friends/family supports and FI strategies and devices gives better improvement to the financial and non-financial performance of SMEs in South Eastern Nigeria. Thus, the government can reinvent its policies so as to strengthen its implementing agencies and the families of SME owners. SME owners can achieve better financial and non-financial performance by combining government entrepreneurship incentives, friends/family supports and FI strategies and devices.