PERFORMANCE IMPLICATION OF TRAINING AMONG SELECTED SMALL MINING BUSINESSES IN NASARAWA STATE: THE ROLE OF MENTORSHIP AND INCUBATION

Abstract

The fundamental aim of entrepreneurship training for small businesses is to equip entrepreneurs with necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of the business environment and attain superior performance. The role of mentorship and incubation in the performance of mining businesses in Nasarawa sate was, therefore, explored given the characteristically low performance of the industry. This was achieved via a causal research design based on quantitative methods including the collection of self-reported survey data from a cross-section of 298 small mining business owners in the state. Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM0 was employed to analyse the data collected. Both Mentorship and Incubation were found to be positive and statistically significant predictors of performance among the businesses. It is therefore important that small mining businesses actively seek mentors with relevant industry experience to establish strong relationships that can enhance their performance. These mentorship arrangements should incorporate structured training sessions, regular check-ins, and feedback mechanisms to facilitate continuous support and knowledge sharing. The provision of dedicated incubation centres for small mining businesses in the State by the government and other stakeholders, is also crucial enhancing sector performance. These centres should offer vital resources, including modern equipment, technical training, and business advisory services, while also focusing on developing tailored business plans that align with market demands and sustainable practices to enable effective and sustainable scaling.