SOCIAL ENTEPRENEURSHIP AND THE SUSTAINABILITY OF SMALL AND MEDIUM SCALE ENTERPRISES (SMEs) IN LAGOS STATE

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between Social entrepreneurship and the sustainability of small and
medium scale enterprises (SMEs) in Lagos state. Specifically, the study investigated the nature of the
relationship that exists between social innovation and financial sustainability of small and medium scale
enterprises (SMEs) in Lagos state. The research design for this study is a quantitative research approach.
Purposive sampling technique was used to select the participants for this study. The sample size was 20
entrepreneurs who are engaged in social entrepreneurship activities within Lagos State. The selection
criteria were based on their involvement in social innovation and their willingness to participate in the
study. Primary data was collected through a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted closedended questions that measures the level of social innovation and financial sustainability of SMEs. The
collected data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. Descriptive statistics
such as frequencies, means, and standard deviations was used to summarize and present the data.
Inferential statistics such as correlation analysis and regression analysis was conducted to determine the
nature of the relationship between social entrepreneurship and the sustainability of SMEs in Lagos State.
The study therefore found out that there is significant and positives relationship between Social
entrepreneurship and the sustainability of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) in Lagos state. Based
on the findings the study recommends that Entrepreneurs should engage in more of social activities rather
than see entrepreneurship as profit making venture alone.