This study investigates the impact of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) on the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within the food processing sector in Delta state. The study population comprises all SMEs owners in Delta state, .A purposeful sampling approach was employed to collect data from 600 SMEs owners through a self-administered questionnaire with high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.85). The questionnaire assessed various EO dimensions and SME growth indicators, allowing for analysis using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and hypothesis testing to explore the relationship between EO and growth within this sector. Data from 600 SMEs across various sub-sectors was analyzed. The findings reveal a positive association between EO and perceived growth rates. For instance, SMEs with a strong focus on innovation reported a 20.0% higher growth rate in employment compared to those with a lower EO score. Similarly, businesses demonstrating proactive behaviour perceived a 59.17% chance of seizing market opportunities compared to 40.83% for less proactive SMEs. The geospatial analysis further highlighted the importance of environmental factors. Areas boasting good infrastructure, like Delta Central with a mean EO score of 4.5, exhibited a growth rate of 9.2%, compared to 6.2% in areas with limited infrastructure. A statistically significant relationship between EO adoption and SME growth (p-value = 0.001) was confirmed through hypothesis testing. These results, with figures like a 20.0% increase in employment growth due to innovation, underscore the critical role of entrepreneurial orientation for SMEs in Delta State's food processing sector. By fostering an entrepreneurial mindset and actively developing their EO capabilities, SMEs can position themselves for sustainable growth and contribute to the overall success of the sector.
Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO), SME Growth, Food Processing Sector, Delta State, Nigeria
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