Mbonteh Jacob Nzang (PhD)

EHIMBS University Institute of Kumba, Cameroon

Tel: +237677785141, Email: ihsaniub@yahoo.com

To cite: Mbonteh (2026, June 10), Enterprise Education: A Strategy for the Survival of Startup SMES in the Southwest Restive Region of Cameroon. The Journal of Tertiary and Industrial Sciences, JTIS (JTIS), HTTTC Kumba. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20597917

Submission Date: 26/03/2026                                                                                     Acceptance Date: 05/06/2026

Abstract:

Most SMEs in Cameroon do not survive after the incubation phase. According to Business and Financial experts, this happens due to the absence of market research and the inability of these enterprises to create specialize market for themselves and their products. The objective of this paper is to understand how entrepreneurship education can be a mitigating factor to the survival of small and medium size enterprises within the region. The study differs from previous studies because it emphasizes on educating the entrepreneur, to build capacity to confront the challenges facing SMEs rather than simply identify them. To achieve the objective of the study, a quantitative research approach is used. This approach is characterized by semi-structured interviews and questionnaire, with registered SMEs, selected randomly within the region. The sample frame consists of 30 SMEs that have existed for 1 to 3 years but closed down temporary or permanently. The respondents were asked questions about the premature closure. The questionnaires were analyzed using content analysis. The result of the study revealed that lack of entrepreneurship education on the part of owners of start-up SMEs contributed to poor performance of managerial functions. This deficiency contributed to putting them out of business. To survive in business therefore SME operators should at least receive basic entrepreneurial skills to enable them carryout their managerial functions more appropriately and consistently too.

Keywords: Enterprise, Survival, SMEs, Entrepreneur, Education