Paper Contents
Abstract
This study examines the impact of entrepreneurship development on poverty reduction and job creation in SouthSouth Nigeria, focusing on the mediating role of the institutional environment and firm-level resource capabilities. Drawing on the Institution-Based View, the Resource-Based View, and the Triple Bottom Line framework, the study explores how improvements in the Ease of Doing Business and increases in the Number of New Businesses translate into welfare-enhancing outcomes. Data were collected from entrepreneurs and small business operators across six SouthSouth states, using a structured questionnaire design. Using multiple regression and structural modelling analysis, the findings reveal that both ease of doing business and increases in the number of new companies have significant positive effects on poverty reduction and job creation. The results further indicate that institutional quality magnifies the developmental impact of entrepreneurship by reducing transaction costs and fostering firm-level capabilities. The study concludes that entrepreneurship development contributes to inclusive growth when supported by sound institutions, resource orchestration, and targeted capacity-building interventions. Policy recommendations emphasise institutional reforms that lower business frictions, enhance access to finance, and strengthen human capital.
Copyright
Copyright © 2025 Osula Vanessa Osarugue. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.
