INFLUENCE OF GRADUATE ENTREPRENEURSHIP FUND (GEF) ON YOUTH ECONOMIC INCLUSION (A CASE STUDY OF SELECTED BOI BENEFICIARIES IN AWKA SOUTH L.G.A OF ANAMBRA STATE)
ABSTRACT
This research work was designed to determine the influence of graduate entrepreneurship fund (GEF) on youth economic inclusion. a case study of selected BOI beneficiaries in Awka L.G.A . The objectives of the study includes to evaluate the services (financial & non-financial) rendered to the youths who are beneficiaries of GEF program, determine the effect of GEF program on graduate level of income after their participation in the GEF program, examine the efforts of GEF program in facilitating small scale enterprise among graduates, Identify challenges that limits graduates participation in the program. Descriptive survey research design was adopted using a simple random sampling to select one hundred respondents which structured questionnaire was administered. The data obtained were analyzed using simple percentage, mean and frequency tables. The study revealed that allocation of credit, provision of capital for small businesses and export promotion incentives are some of the services rendered to youths through the GEF program. Economic developments, conservation of foreign exchange, improved standard of living are the effort of GEF program in facilitating SMEs development among graduates. Lack of credit facilities, security issues, poor planning and poor state of country’s infrastructure are the challenges that limits graduate participation in the GEF program .Based on the findings, it was recommended government should encourage the growth of small business by giving them the necessary assistance as regards to fund raising and equally advise them on how to utilize it effectively and also ensure adequate provision of credit facilities through various financial institutions to aid entrepreneurship.
CHAPTER ONE
1.1 Background of the Study
The dynamic role of government agencies in the development of small and medium enterprises is an engine through which the growth and development objectives of developing nations can be achieved. These enterprises have a very important impact on the life of everybody in the society. The small independence businesses are everywhere and in every line of work; they can also be seen in every community. This business is as old as man. So virtually everything done in life involves the element of business small and medium enterprises constitute an importance in today’s business activities or system. Small and medium enterprise in our economic history however, has been one of the distribution and contribution (Akingunola, 2011).
Basil (2005), stated that any effect towards the restructuring of the economy without particular emphasis on the development of small and medium scale business not likely to be successful in the long term. The fact that small and medium scale business determines the direction and the extent of development of the country’s economy make them very important organizations…..
