Support Of Local Economy To The Growth Of Small Firms: A Case Of Geita District

ABSTRACT

This study discuses the support of local economy to the growth of small firms in Geita district. The study examined the detailed profile of MSMEs in Geita .Also it discovered that the contribution made by SLEM to entrepreneurial helps the growth of local economy although there were the challenges encountered by MSMEs in getting information from the BDS. The study used percentages and tables as the ways of presenting data. The total of 6 clusters grouped in Agriculture and poultry, SACCOS, Fishing, Tailoring, Welding and carpentry and shops were consulted. Again it determined the contribution of SLEMprogram on the development and growth of MSMEs in Geita district for the period 2008-2012. An analysis of the profile of MSMEs shows that MSMSEs are benefited from SLEM since all MSMEs studied were growing at an average rate of 9.9%per annum.Furthermore the study discovered that SLEM has contributed about 140 employment opportunities for the period 2008-2012. The study found that MSMEs were not benefited by the operations of BDS because the study discovered that thenumbers of visitors were declining every year. In the case of loans taken the study suggested that the repayment period should be extended from six months to one year. Apart from that there should be adequate employed staffsthat can attend MSMEs, and be present all time to the BDS And finally, the study suggested that the training should be given to each cluster basing on their specials need.