Entrepreneurial Marketing Strategies and Inclusive Growth: A Panacea for Business Boom in Selected South West States, Nigeria

Authors

OGAH, Arome Victor (Ph.D.)

Department of Business Administration, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. (Nigeria)

OGUNTUASE Taiwo

Department of Business Administration & Management, Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. (Nigeria)

Article Information

DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS.2026.11070005

Subject Category: Education

Volume/Issue: 11/7 | Page No: 65-75

Publication Timeline

Submitted: 2026-07-10

Accepted: 2026-07-15

Published: 2026-07-23

Abstract

The study focused on entrepreneurial marketing strategies and inclusive growth: A panacea for business boom in selected South West States, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to examine the effect of proactiveness, opportunity focused and innovativeness on inclusive growth towards business boom. This study utilized a survey research design. Data was gathered from a primary source. The population of the study consists of owners and managers of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in selected South-West states of Nigeria, particularly Ekiti, Osun and Ondo states. The sample size for the study was 384 respondents determined by Taro Yamane’s formula. Stratified random sampling technique was adopted for the selection of the sample of the study to ensure representation of SMEs from different sectors such as manufacturing, retail, and services. Nigeria. The multiple regression statistical tool was used to test the hypothesis. The findings revealed that proactiveness, opportunity focused and innovativeness boom have a significant effect on inclusive growth towards business. The study recommended as follows: small and medium enterprises owner should be proactive to influence their inclusive growth performance in the business environment. They should be opportunity focus to enhance their inclusive growth among other competitive small and medium enterprises. They should be tactical in Innovativeness to remain as a leader in their inclusive growth in the competitive business environment.

Keywords

Entrepreneurial Marketing, Strategies, Inclusive Growth, Business Boom, innovativeness

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