Ease of Doing Business and its Impact on Small Businesses Growth in Ilorin, Kwara State-Nigeria

Abstract

The running and operations of small businesses in Nigeria has been challenging because of the business environment.  The basic objective of this study is to examine Ease of Doing Business (EODB) and its impact on small business growth in Ilorin, Kwara State-Nigeria. The study adopted a cross sectional design and the population of study was 1,000 small business owners. A purposive and stratified sampling random technique was used to draw 300 respondents from the population. The method of data analysis used is multiple regression statistics. The findings reveal that Ease of Doing Business (EODB) variables (Starting a business, processing construction, credit loan, electricity, registering property, taxes payment, trading across borders, enforcing contracts, resolving insolvency, labour market and government contract) in varying proportions have significant impact on small businesses growth in Ilorin, Kwara State-Nigeria. The study recommends that measures for access to credits should be instituted at low interest rates.  The power generation in the country should be improved.  The challenges in processing business permits should be addressed while automation of the judicial system to reduce timelines and boost investors’ confidence in contract enforcement and for businesses to growth should be enhanced.