Chapter One — 1.1 Background to the Study

Over the past decade, the relationship between business plan competitions and venture performance of small and medium enterprises (smes) has become a subject of considerable debate among scholars and industry practitioners alike, particularly within the context of Lagos State where operating conditions differ markedly from more developed markets.

Within the context of Lagos State, this relationship carries particular significance. Organizations in this setting operate under a distinct combination of economic, regulatory, and market conditions that may amplify or dampen the effect of business plan competitions on venture performance of small and medium enterprises (smes), making a context-specific inquiry both timely and necessary.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

While business plan competitions is widely discussed in policy and industry circles, empirical evidence on its actual effect on venture performance of small and medium enterprises (smes) within Lagos State remains sparse and, in places, contradictory. This lack of localized, rigorous evidence makes it difficult for decision-makers to know with confidence whether current approaches to business plan competitions are helping or hindering venture performance of small and medium enterprises (smes) — a gap this study sets out to close.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To examine the effect of Business Plan Competitions on venture performance of small and medium enterprises (smes) in Lagos State.
2. To assess the extent to which business plan competitions influences venture performance of small and medium enterprises (smes) within the study area.
3. To identify the challenges associated with business plan competitions in relation to venture performance of small and medium enterprises (smes).
4. To recommend strategies for optimizing business plan competitions in order to improve venture performance of small and medium enterprises (smes).

1.4 Research Questions

1. What is the effect of business plan competitions on venture performance of small and medium enterprises (smes) in Lagos State?
2. To what extent does business plan competitions influence venture performance of small and medium enterprises (smes) within the study area?
3. What challenges are associated with business plan competitions in relation to venture performance of small and medium enterprises (smes)?
4. What strategies can be adopted to optimize business plan competitions in order to improve venture performance of small and medium enterprises (smes)?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study is significant to a range of stakeholders. For policymakers and regulators, the findings offer evidence to guide the design of frameworks that support healthier outcomes around venture performance of small and medium enterprises (smes). For managers and practitioners within Lagos State, the study provides practical insight into how business plan competitions can be better managed. Finally, it contributes to the academic literature on entrepreneurship by extending existing knowledge into a specific empirical context, and offers a reference point for future researchers.

1.6 Scope of the Study

In terms of scope, this MSc study confines itself to Lagos State, focusing specifically on how business plan competitions relates to venture performance of small and medium enterprises (smes) within that setting. Findings are interpreted within these boundaries rather than as universal claims applicable to every organization or market.