| dc.description.abstract | This study, conducted in Kasubi Parish Kampala, Uganda, delves into the challenges confronted by entrepreneurs during the inception of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Employing a mixed-methods approach, we gathered data from a purposive sample of both male and female entrepreneurs, utilizing a sample size of 50 determined by the Cochran formula. The data was analyzed through descriptive statistics, including frequency distribution, mean, and standard deviation. Furthermore, inferential statistical techniques, such as Chi-Square tests and multinomial logistic regression analysis, were applied to explore relationships between independent variables (Access to Finance, Marketing Strategies, Government Policies, Education Level, Gender, and Age) and the dependent variable, SME challenges. Our findings reveal that government policies, marketing strategies, and access to finance significantly influence the transition between different challenge levels for SMEs. Entrepreneurs facing "3+" challenges saw noteworthy improvements when government policies were favorable, and when they had better marketing strategies and access to finance. Gender also emerged as a significant factor, influencing the transition negatively. These findings emphasize the multifaceted nature of SME challenges and the necessity for tailored strategies to address them. We recommend that entrepreneurs prioritize enhancing marketing strategies and improving access to finance. Policymakers should consider creating more favorable government policies to support SMEs, particularly those facing moderate challenges. Implementing gender-sensitive programs could help mitigate disparities in entrepreneurial experiences. Furthermore, fostering a collaborative ecosystem where entrepreneurs can share experiences and access support is essential. Future research endeavors should explore further nuances with more extensive sample sizes to yield more robust insights into SME challenges and their determinants. | en_US |
