Background of the Study
Financial literacy is the ability to understand and effectively manage financial resources, including budgeting, financial planning, investing, and understanding financial statements (Aluko & Adewale, 2023). For small-scale enterprises (SSEs), financial literacy is crucial for achieving growth, sustainability, and profitability. In Sokoto State, small businesses face numerous challenges, including limited access to credit, fluctuating market conditions, and poor financial management practices. Financial literacy among entrepreneurs can help mitigate these challenges by enabling better decision-making, cost management, and investment planning (Ogundele, 2024).
Sokoto State, located in the northwestern region of Nigeria, has a burgeoning small-scale enterprise sector that plays a vital role in the local economy by providing goods, services, and employment. However, many of these enterprises struggle to survive due to a lack of financial knowledge and ineffective management practices. Small business owners often lack the skills to properly allocate resources, manage cash flow, or interpret financial reports, which can lead to poor business decisions and financial distress (Jibril & Ahmed, 2025).
Previous research suggests that financial literacy is positively correlated with business performance, particularly for small enterprises that operate in resource-constrained environments (Ogunleye et al., 2023). Financially literate entrepreneurs are better equipped to make informed decisions regarding investments, budgeting, and cost management, thereby improving their business performance. However, there is limited research on the specific impact of financial literacy on the business performance of small-scale enterprises in Sokoto State. This study aims to fill this gap by exploring how financial literacy affects the performance of these enterprises.
Statement of the Problem
Small-scale enterprises in Sokoto State face significant financial management challenges, which often hinder their growth and profitability. One of the main contributing factors to these challenges is a lack of financial literacy among business owners. Despite the potential benefits of financial literacy in improving business performance, many small-scale enterprises in the state struggle with poor financial planning, inadequate budgeting, and inefficient resource allocation. This lack of financial knowledge may lead to poor decision-making and financial mismanagement, ultimately affecting the overall performance and sustainability of these enterprises.
There is a need for research that investigates how financial literacy directly influences business performance in Sokoto State’s small-scale enterprises. By understanding the impact of financial literacy, this study aims to provide valuable insights that can help enhance the financial management practices of small businesses, leading to improved performance and sustainability.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess the level of financial literacy among small-scale enterprise owners in Sokoto State.
2. To evaluate the relationship between financial literacy and business performance in small-scale enterprises in Sokoto State.
3. To examine the role of financial literacy in improving decision-making and profitability in small-scale enterprises.
Research Questions
1. What is the level of financial literacy among small-scale enterprise owners in Sokoto State?
2. How does financial literacy influence the business performance of small-scale enterprises in Sokoto State?
3. In what ways does financial literacy improve decision-making and profitability in small-scale enterprises in Sokoto State?
Research Hypotheses
1. There is a significant relationship between the level of financial literacy and business performance among small-scale enterprises in Sokoto State.
2. Financial literacy positively influences decision-making and profitability in small-scale enterprises in Sokoto State.
3. Small-scale enterprise owners with higher financial literacy achieve better financial performance than those with lower financial literacy.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on small-scale enterprises in Sokoto State and will examine the relationship between financial literacy and business performance. The research will utilize surveys and interviews with small business owners to assess their level of financial knowledge and its impact on business outcomes. The study will be limited to small-scale enterprises in Sokoto State, and findings may not be generalizable to other regions or large-scale enterprises.
Definitions of Terms
• Financial Literacy: The ability to understand and use financial concepts and tools to make informed financial decisions.
• Small-Scale Enterprises (SSEs): Businesses that operate on a small scale, usually with limited capital and resources, and are focused on providing goods and services in local markets.
• Business Performance: The ability of a business to achieve its financial goals, including profitability, revenue growth, and operational efficiency.
• Decision-Making: The process of making choices regarding the allocation of resources, investments, and other business activities.
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