IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON SMALL SCALE BUSINESSES IN NIGERIA: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13208097Keywords:
Covid 19, pandemic, small and medium scale, public, performanceAbstract
The study examined the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on small and medium-scale enterprises in Edo North Senatorial district. The study investigated among others the impact of the movement restriction policy of the government on the performance of SMEs in the area under investigation. Selected registered businesses total Ninety-four (94) were randomly selected and administered questionnaires, but sixty-seven (67) questionnaires were well filled and available for the study. Simple percentage and regression analysis were both applied for discipline and analytical statistical of data. Findings revealed a significant relationship between the movement restriction/ social distancing policy of the government and the performance of businesses in Edo North Senatorial district and that uncertainty caused by the pandemic had a significant impact on business planning such as inaccurate forecasting and budgeting. The researchers, therefore, recommended that SME owners should be encouraged to embrace digital transformation and online platforms to reach a wider audience by establishing e-commerce platforms; and implementing online payment systems and digital marketing strategies to promote their products and services with a possible transaction without physical contacts. Finally, all businesses particularly SMEs should develop robust business continuity plans to minimize the negative impact of the kind of unforeseen circumstances to mitigate future crises. This includes building, resilience, maintaining emergency funds, and creating strategies for remote working or flexible operations. These measures could reduce the level of market uncertainties that may be caused by any possible pandemic.