Impact of Entrepreneurial Skills on Business Growth Among Youths Cooperative Members in Ohoazara Local Government, Ebonyi State

This study investigates the impact of entrepreneurial skills on the business growth of youth cooperative members in Ohaozara Local Government Area, Ebonyi State. The primary problem addressed is the limited understanding of how innovation skills, risk management skills, financial management skills, and marketing skills influence the growth trajectory of youth-led businesses within the cooperative framework. Recognizing the significance of these entrepreneurial skills in fostering sustainable business development among youths, the study aims to provide empirical evidence to inform policy and practice. Using a descriptive survey research design, the study sampled 278 registered youth cooperative members from a population of 912, utilizing Yamane’s formula to determine the sample size. A structured questionnaire, validated by experts, served as the data collection instrument, with 262 valid responses retrieved and analyzed. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics like simple percentages, means, and standard deviations to summarize responses, while inferential statistics utilized the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression technique to examine the relationship between independent variables (innovation skills, risk management skills, financial management skills, and marketing skills) and the dependent variable (entrepreneurial skills). The findings reveal that all four entrepreneurial skills significantly influence entrepreneurial skills among youth cooperative members. Specifically, the regression coefficients indicate that innovation skills (β = 0.215, p < 0.05), risk management skills (β = 0.183, p < 0.05), financial management skills (β = 0.278, p < 0.01), and marketing skills (β = 0.172, p < 0.05) positively and significantly affect entrepreneurial skills. The model explains approximately 65% of the variance in entrepreneurial skills (R² = 0.65), indicating a strong relationship. Based on these results, it is recommended that stakeholders and policymakers focus on enhancing entrepreneurial training programs that emphasize innovation, risk management, financial literacy, and marketing to foster sustainable business growth among youth cooperatives. Strengthening these skills can lead to improved business performance, increased employment, and economic development within the region.