Entrepreneurship Culture and Employment Creation of SMEs in Yenegoa, Bayelsa State

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between entrepreneurship culture and employment creation in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The research specifically investigated how three dimensions of entrepreneurship development—entrepreneurial mindset and entrepreneurial leadership, —affect the capacity of SMEs to generate employment opportunities. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, with the population comprising 45 employees of selected SMEs in Yenagoa. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation coefficient to test the hypotheses at a 5% level of significance. The results revealed that entrepreneurial mindset (r = 0.681, p = 0.027) and entrepreneurial leadership (r = 0.714, p = 0.015), all have significant and positive relationships with employment creation in the study area. These findings suggest that SMEs driven by a strong entrepreneurial culture are more likely to create productive job opportunities, enhance productivity, and contribute to local economic development. The study concludes that fostering entrepreneurship culture through skill acquisition, leadership development, and value-based practices is critical for reducing unemployment and promoting sustainable employment growth in Yenagoa. The study recommends that policymakers, educators, and SME stakeholders invest in entrepreneurial training programs, financial empowerment initiatives, and mentorship to strengthen employment creation in the region.