Acts of entrepreneurial creativity for business growth and survival in a constrained economy : Case study of a small manufacturing firm (SMF)

Using a case study approach, this article presents findings on a small plastic manufacturing firm and entrepreneur in Nigeria. The study identifies performance factors of a firm that has received hardly any external support and, as a result, the entrepreneur had to independently sustain his firm through creative abilities. Findings from the study revealed that there are external and internal constraints such as lack of financial capital, inadequate infrastructure facilities, competition from large firms, unfavorable government policies, dearth of machines and spare parts and paucity of raw materials. Internal obstacles like incompetent planning, poor organizational skills and limited knowledge were also obstacles. Funding assistance is biased on the basis of favoritism and not on developmental goals being achieved. This particular case is an example of a potential avant‐garde entrepreneur whos talent should not be neglected.