Access to Finance as Potential Moderator on the Relationship between Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy and SMEs Performance in Nigeria : A Proposed Framework

Though, the important influence of SMEs on economic growth is acknowledged, still the performance of Nigerian SMEs is below expectation. The contribution of SMEs to GDP shows a gross under-performance. In addition, SMEs high failure rate is another sign of low performance. On the other hand, poor access to finance conquers a central position for the low performance of Nigerian SMEs. The paper presents a theoretical framework on the moderating effect of access to finance on the relationship between entrepreneurial self-efficacy and SMEs performance in Nigeria. If validated, the model would have policy implications to SMEs owner/managers and other stakeholders in decision making