ABSTRACT

The study is on In-depth study on prospect and problems of small scale in Umuahia. The research work is geared towards identifying problems faced by small scale business. The objective ofthe study is to examine the role ofsmall scale business in the study area and also problems ofsmall scale business. The method used in the research -work is survey design. The population was 200 using Taro Yamaneformula, the sampling size and was gotten. While face and content validity -was usedfor validity ofinstrument. Pearson Moment correlation was used for reliability coefficient andfive point likert scale for the questionnaire. The method of data analysis was Tablepresentationpercentage method while the hypotheses was tested using Chisquare andZ- test. The majorfindings ofthe research work include: there are significantrole of small scale business in AbiaState(Zcai24.654>Ze,iUcai- 1.96;p<0.05 and there are significant prospects ofsmall scale business in Abia State (zcai25600>x2cntical=7.815;p<0.05). However.it was recommended that government should encourage small scale business as it prompts continuing growth of the economy and find out measures to solve problems of small scale business.

Keywords'. Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, SME operators, Umuahia Abia state