Entrepreneurship in South Africa : improving access to finance
Name
749468293-MIT.pdf
Description
Full printable version
Size
25.51 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
b222866aa85949aa9f8dd5d8d3fcd038
Author(s)
Alexander, Amanda, M.B.A. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Advisor(s)
Matt Marx.
Date Issued
2011
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
For a rapidly developing country, South Africa has relatively very low levels of entrepreneurship. This thesis will investigate the reasons for the anemic number of new ventures and, most specifically, tries to address one of the biggest obstacles South African entrepreneurs face: limited access to capital. I have collected data from 47 South African entrepreneurs through questionnaires to survey their level of access to capital, their awareness of the resources that are available to them and to identify which organizations are the most helpful to them in terms of providing educational and financial support. Furthermore, I solicited their opinions on the future of entrepreneurship in their country and tested it against both conventional wisdom and academic hypotheses. I have compared what literature says is happening with what seems to be actually occurring. The findings are that, like many other developed and developing nations, South Africa struggles to provide entrepreneurs with clear paths to capital. Entrepreneurs are also unsure of how to approach venture capitalists and other organizations for funding so education remains a key component to increasing the level of entrepreneurship. There are encouraging signs such as the increase in local organizations aimed at the rural population and women which, studies have shown, are key demographics to eradicate poverty through building new businesses. Several recommendations are outlined, mainly the enhancement of the role of government in fostering the growth of entrepreneurship through programs that are efficient and that attract international investors.
Description
Thesis (M.B.A.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management, 2011.
Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 82-83).
Subjects
Sloan School of Management.
MIT Department
Sloan School of Management
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