MODERATING ROLE OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ENTREPRENEURIAL COMPETENCIES AND PERFORMANCE OF SMES IN KANO STATE

The objective of this study is to investigate the moderating role of socio-economic factors on the relationship between entrepreneurial competencies and performance of SMEs in Kano State. The study adopted cross sectional survey research design was employed, and the population consists of the entire registered SMEs with Kano State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture [KACCIMA], as at the year 2021. By adopting random sampling, PLS-SEM-Regression, correlation and descriptive were used to analyze the data. The finding revealed that networking, relationship, training and marketing competencies, have significant effect on SMEs performance in Kano state, while Socio economic factor has significant effect with SMEs performance in Kano state, Socio economic factor moderate the between entrepreneurial competency and SMEs performance in Kano state. The study recommended that, Entrepreneurs should create a high sense of persistence in achieving their pre-determined goals and objectives, they should endeavour to explore variety of training and development that will help develop creativity and innovative ideas in their organization. Government must put in place sustainable policies that do not deal with frequent changes, which will assist entrepreneurs in planning.