Commercial enterprises (CEs) play a vital role in the economic growth and development of a country. The current economic growth trends rests in the business growth and the support made by all stake holders. The study sought to examine the factors influencing the growth and development commercial enterprises in Lira district Northern Uganda. The research adapted a cross sectional exploratory study. Data from 274 respondents were collected using questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS. The study finding concluded that training and development is the most influential factor in commercial enterprise development compared to financial and cash flow planning and firm resources. The study recommended the need for commercial enterprise developers to train employees in order to bring out their inner abilities, such as proper management skills, commitment, persistence and determination geared towards commercial enterprise growth and development.

Commercial Enterprise Development (CED) has been regarded by both academicians and policy makers as a source of economic growth and development. The Uganda Government developed many policies and created agencies which can help local and international investors create a good conducive environment for commercial enterprise development. For example the creation of Uganda Investment Authority, Uganda Chamber of Commerce intended to support upcoming investors. In spite of all this initiative the commercial enterprises are running out of business especially due to poor performance which stands at 50% annually leaving a lot to be desired Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM, 2009) While Uganda ranks high in the rate of SMEs development and it’s the country with most entrepreneurial population in Africa and with most business failure rates where businesses do not celebrate their first birthdays (Naduda, 2011).