An investigation into the challenges faced by Small to Medium Enterprises in Zimbabwe: A case of Gazaland Market

Abstract

The main objective of the study was to assess and establish the challenges which are faced by the small and medium enterprises that hinder their performance and limit their growth. The study was relied upon Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) which are operating at Gazaland Market. Primary data were obtained mainly from semi-structure questionnaires. Observations, verbal interviews and face to face interviews were however also used to complement the data that was obtained from the use of questionnaire. Secondary data used was extracted from newspapers, journals, reports, textbooks, and articles presented by other authors on SMEs. The study revealed the major challenges hampering the growth of SMEs at Gazaland Market cut across lack of markets, lack of government support, unfair treatment from the local authority, stiff competition due to cheap imports, finance, and lack of training as well as technology. On the some minor challenges hampering them from transiting into formal business include poor infrastructure and lack of trust from the suppliers.