Introduction The substantial contributions of small and medium-scale businesses to the development of any economy have been widely acknowledged for their capacity to enhance industrial output and human development. Small-scale enterprises serve as a driving force for industrial growth, contributing to economic diversification and the achievement of fundamental developmental objectives. This study examined the influence of small and medium scale enterprises on job creation and economy growth in Yewa South local government area, Ogun State. Methodology The study employed a survey method of data collection with the aid of questionnaire to gathered information from the respondents. Population of the study comprised individuals who are owners of small and medium-scale enterprises within Ilaro, Owode-Yewa and Ajilete towns in Yewa South LGA, Ogun State. A systematic random sampling technique was adopted to select 100 (one hundred) owners of registered SMEs in Yewa South local government area. Two (2) research objectives were raised and two (2) null hypotheses were formulated. Four-point likert scale questionnaire was used as instrument of data collection. One hundred copies of the questionnaire were made and administered on the respondents, out of which 94 (ninety-four) copies were adequately filled and returned. Data collected were analysed using inferential statistics with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) with a significance level of 0.05 alpha. Results and discussion Findings revealed that there is a positive significant influence of small and medium enterprises on job creation and economy development in Yewa South Local Government area. From the result, it was revealed that a unit increase in small and medium scale enterprises will lead to about 27.9% increase in job creation. It was also revealed that a unit increase in SMEs will lead to about 33.7% increase in economic growth within the local government area. Conclusion It was concluded that high level of the people’s involvement in Small and Medium Scale Enterprises increases job creation which in turn brings about economic growth within Yewa South LGA. The study therefore recommends that Government at all levels should support the creative abilities and market competiveness of small and medium enterprises through policies and initiative programmes. This will foster the growth and development of SMEs. Keyword: Small and Medium scale Enterprises (SMEs), Job Creation, Economy Growth
UGOCHUKWU Sarah Chinenye