Evaluating The Influence of Networking Strategies on Start-Up Growth: Evidence from Anambra State, Nigeria

This study investigates the influence of networking strategies on the growth trajectory of start-ups in Anambra State, Nigeria. The research aims to determine how networking behaviours such as collaboration, partnerships, and knowledge sharing contribute to business expansion and sustainability. A quantitative research design was adopted, and data were collected from 374 start-up owners and managers across Awka, Nnewi, and Onitsha using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses, including correlation and regression, were employed to examine the relationship between networking strategies and start-up growth. Findings reveal that effective networking significantly enhances access to resources, knowledge, and market opportunities, which, in turn, drive innovation, visibility, and business performance. The study concludes that networking serves as a strategic mechanism for sustaining competitive advantage among start-ups. It recommends that entrepreneurs invest in professional networks and mentorship programs, while policymakers create an enabling environment that promotes collaboration and knowledge exchange among start-ups. The study contributes to entrepreneurial literature by empirically validating the role of networking in fostering start-up development in emerging economies.