Diverse supporting measures implemented in various countries to promote small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) have been ineffective, as several internal and external constraints inhibit their growth. This study examined the impact of individual entrepreneurial orientation (IEO) inclinations, risk-taking, innovativeness and proactiveness on the discovery, ideation, start-up and growth of SMMEs. The researcher distributed 280 structured questionnaires to SMME owners in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. The study employed SmartPLS 3.0, using partial least squares structural equation modelling, to analyse the collected data. The findings suggest a positive relationship between IEO propensities and business initiation. The tendency for innovativeness had the most substantial effect on the discovery of SMMEs (0.493), followed by proactiveness (0.230) and risk-taking (0.214). Individuals need to understand and develop these propensities to enhance their inclination and ability to establish successful SMMEs. Restructuring educational institutions to integrate entrepreneurial skills training, alongside teaching approaches that foster innovation and open-mindedness among students, can be beneficial. At every level of education, there is a need to emphasise that securing employment is not the sole outcome of education; instead, students can build their own businesses, thereby creating opportunities for themselves.
Adelakun et al. (Sat,) studied this question.
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