IMPACT OF SMALL-SCALE BUSINESS ON THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF EDO NORTH (A CASE STUDY OF OWAN EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA)

Impact of small scale business on the economic development in Edo North, case study of Owan East local government Area in Edo state investigated mainly the implications of small scale businesses on the development of Owan East. Specific objective among others was to determine the influence in government interventions in promoting small business. Hypotheses were formulated, related literatures were reviewed with a special theoretical framework that has perfectly anchored this study. The study adopted a descriptive survey design, and data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 290 respondents, out of which 250 valid responses were analyzed. The data were presented using frequency and percentage tables, while hypotheses were tested using the chi-square (χ²) statistical method. Findings revealed that access to loan facilities significantly influences the performance and expansion of small-scale enterprises. However, many business owners still face challenges in securing adequate financing. The study also established that while government interventions exist, their impact is limited by poor implementation and awareness. Entrepreneurial training was found to enhance management skills and business sustainability, while technological adoption significantly boosted productivity and competitiveness.The study concludes that small-scale businesses play an important role in job creation, income generation, and local economic transformation in Edo State. It recommends enhanced access to credit, more effective government support mechanisms, widespread entrepreneurial education, and the promotion of digital technologies among small business owners.