DIGITAL PLATFORM AND THEIR ROLE IN PROMOTING SMALL SCALE BUSINESS IN OFFA, KWARA STATE (A STUDY OF FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC STUDENTS, OFFA)

ABSTRACT This study examines digital platform and their tole in promoting small scale business in Offa, Kwara State. Three objectives guided this study while two theories: Technological determinism theory and adoption of innovation theory served as the theoretical underpinnings upon which this study was anchored. Survey Research method was used while simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used to select 375 respondents from the population of this study with a structured questionnaire as the instrument of data collection. Findings revealed that digital platforms have positively impacted small scale businesses in Offa, Kwara State. Also, digital tools increased their business visibility as the findings showed that 63.0% noted improved customer engagement. However, outcomes of users may depend on how strategically the platforms are utilized. The study recommended that institutions and government agencies should strengthen digital literacy programs targeted at small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. The study further recommended that entrepreneurship development centers and NGOs should design interventions that focus not only on business start-up capital but also on digital marketing support.