Abstract:
Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) function in both the micro and macro environments, and
are subject to internal and external forces in most economies. The monitoring of the external and internal
factors and vital strategies by SMME owners and stakeholders including government and supporting
institutions is necessary to attempt a reduction in attempt a reduction in their failure rates. Literature
supports this proposition in the development of SMMEs.
The aim of this study was to analyse the environmental factors that result in a low rate of success and a high
failure rate of SMMEs in Maseru the capital city of Lesotho. Primary data for this study was collected
through questionnaires which were distributed to a sample of 250 SMMEs owners however only 180
respondents completed and returned questionnaires, which were then used for data analysis. The data was
analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS21). The findings revealed that there still
persists inadequacy in financial assistance concomitant with lack of training and development for small
businesses. Government key intervention is proposed to enable growth and development in a sector that
sustains job creation and poverty reduction. Further research on how the sector establishes support is also
proposed.
