Book Description

So much has been written about the subject of entrepreneurship and Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) over the past decade that it is legitimate to ask whether this book has anything new to offer with regard to the subject. Even though there is so much information in the public domain about this subject, small businesses continue to fail. The truth of the matter is that starting and growing a business is not as easy as we are often made to believe. Research has shown that many small businesses fail within the first two years of operation. The cause of this high rate of failure is attributed to among other factors the lack of knowledge (know-how) on the part of the entrepreneurs and small business owners. The author is of the opinion that most books in the market on the subject address the academic side to entrepreneurship and as such are remote from the actual day to day challenges faced by entrepreneurs and small business owners. He writes from his experience of guiding small businesses and consulting with those who wish to set up businesses, which gives him the 'voice' of authority and makes one to take note of his opinions and comments. The author in this book intends to assist entrepreneurs and small business owners in their endeavour and quest to successfully start, manage, grow, lead, and perform in their businesses with extreme precision of effort. He points to the basic and yet most important factors to be considered by entrepreneurs and business owners to ensure the successful establishment of sustainable and profitable enterprises. The book is a guide intended to assist readers with the 'how to' of starting, managing and growing a small to medium-sized business. The author's approach in tackling entrepreneurial challenges is universal even though written from the African perspective. He supports the key points raised in the book by citing personal experiences relating to topics under discussion. The book contains the systematic approach to guide potential entrepreneurs and small to medium-sized business owner hopefuls on the process of starting a business from the beginning (establishing) to the end (managing and growing). The book is written in a basic language which could be understood by most readers regardless of their educational background. In this book, the author highlights both the challenges and opportunities faced by entrepreneurs and gives practical advice on how to manage the challenges and take advantage of opportunities. While the author through this book targets people who wish to start businesses, entrepreneurs, and small to medium sized business owners in the underdeveloped and developing economies, the book has practical examples that apply to entrepreneurial development which may be useful to all entrepreneurs anywhere in the world. The stories related in this book are relevant, useful, and broadening understanding to assist in building the character of a balanced and knowledgeable business leader in all those who will take heed of the author's advice.