Assessment of The Effectiveness of Tanzania Local Enterprise Development Project in Supporting Small And Medium Sized Enterprises: A Case of Iringa Region.

Msigwa,, Mary May (2022) Assessment of The Effectiveness of Tanzania Local Enterprise Development Project in Supporting Small And Medium Sized Enterprises: A Case of Iringa Region. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

The study assessed the effectiveness of Tanzania Local Enterprise Development Project in Supporting Small and Medium Entrepreneurs within Iringa region in Tanzania. The case study design applied simple-random sampling and purposeful sampling method as sampling techniques to ensure that the accurate sample were obtained for the study. 93 respondents used in data collection. The study was derived from a theory known as Capability Approach, whereby, for an SME to perform, it needs to have the capability to do the business. Data collection in this study had two phases; collection of quantitative information and collecting qualitative information. The study found that, TLED project offers various services to SMEs including; Business delivery device in finance, Market and business management, Access to finance, Technology, Market linkages, Creative services, and Advisory in finance, market and business management. The services found are delivered based on levels of businesses owned by the SMEs, specific value chains, and to businesses that are already established, not start-ups. Also, it found that, most of the SME’s supported, are led by women. The study found that, six major criteria are considered when extending support to SMEs, these are; the SMEs to fall under agribusiness value chains should be existing in business for not less than one year and should have specific business premise. Also, it found some barriers in supporting SMEs. The study found that. T LED Project in its project Implementation Plan Document has a sustainability plan which shows how the SMEs will continue accessing BDS services even after the project phases out. Study recommends that, T LED Project should continue supporting SMEs in different aspects to improve their business. Keywords: Small and Medium Entrepreneurs, Finance, Projects, Development.

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