This paper discusses entrepreneurship education in

This study investigated the challenges that are faced by entrepreneurs in the Nkonkobe Municipality in Eastern Cape Province of South Africa and the objectives were to identify and suggest solutions for the challenges. This study followed a qualitative research design and in-depth interviews were used to gather data from the respondents. Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) owners and managers in the Nkonkobe Municipality were the target population. A sample of thirty respondents was drawn using purposive sampling method. Most of the respondents who participated in the study were from the agricultural industry, trading sector, and the arts and crafts industry. The challenges identified as impediments to the establishment, survival and growth of these SMMEs include lack of networking opportunities, lack of access to finance and inadequate government support. Recommendations were suggested to the SMME owners and managers, government agencies and the local municipality.

The study investigated the importance of entrepreneurial competencies on the performance of women entrepreneurs in East London, South Africa. The objectives of this study were to identify key entrepreneurial competencies that influence the performance of women entrepreneurs, to establish a relationship between entrepreneurial competencies and the performance of women entrepreneurs and to suggest strategies that can be implemented to improve entrepreneurial competencies of women entrepreneurs. Both primary and secondary data source were used in this research. This research followed a quantitative research design. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect primary data. The findings of this research showed that entrepreneurial competencies are crucial for the survival and performance of SMMEs.

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This paper provides an overview of Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa. The paper also investigates the contribution and importance of the SMME sector in South Africa, challenges faced by SMMEs as well as issues pertaining to SMME performance. Resource requirements of SMMEs are also discussed. Information was gathered though an extensive literature review.