What are the factors limiting the success and/or growth of small businesses in Tanzania? – An empirical study on small business growth

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the factors that limit the growth/and or success of small businesses in Tanzania and to try and suggest solutions to these factors. Nine interviews were conducted which included six small business owners and three officials representing three organizations. The results obtained identified a number of limiting factors to small firm growth. The author saw it as a merit to group the results into two groups; limiting factors that are internal to the firm (Inadequate education and training, lack of a proper business plan, capital constraint etcetera) and those that are external to the firm (comprising things like corruption, government policy, bureaucratic processes etcetera). The author concludes by making following main recommendations; firstly a reform of the SME policy by the government, a search of an adequate business education by the small business community and trying to develop services and the maintenance of good relationships with small business owners by other stakeholders like the financial institutions.