Financial literacy and the growth of small enterprises in Masindi Municipality, Uganda: A case study of traders in Nyangahya Division

Abstract

The study was about Financial Literacy and the growth of Small Enterprises in Masindi Municipality, with specific reference to traders in Nyangahya Division in Masindi District. The study was guided by the following objectives: To examine how financial knowledge affects the growth of SEs within the community of traders in Nyangahya Division, to determine the effect of financial behavior on the growth SEs within the community of traders in Nyangahya Division and to investigate the effect of financial attitude on the growth SEs within the community of traders in Nyangahya Division The study used a cross sectional study design where data was gathered in a period of time in order to answer research questions. The study used a population of 240 with a sample size of 150 Which was determined using the Solven’s formula, simple random sampling was used to select the sample, self administered questionnaire and interview guide were the main data collection instruments. This study concluded that SEs operators are able to understand financial terms and concepts, communicate effectively on financial issues. It was further revealed that, there is a strong positive effect of financial literacy on growth of SEs and those who are more successful are run by entrepreneurs who are financial literate . it was further revealed that, Financial literacy facilitates the decision making processes such as proper debt management. The study also concludes that there is a higher a chance for financially literate SEs to be more successful than those with low level of financial knowledge. This study recommends that there should be training of small SEs regarding financial literacy in order to grow and transform into more solid enterprises. And there is need for the government to work towards streamlining coordination of institutions implementing SEs activities. The study also came up with areas of further research which include: Financial attitude and performance of SES in Nyangahya Division Masindi District, financial behavior and growth of SEs in Uganda and Intellectual capital and performance of SEs in Uganda. Transaction cost theory was also recommended.