The impact of government support schemes on small to medium enterprises (SMES) growth and survival in the midlands province of Zimbabwe

This paper evaluates the impact of government support schemes towards SMEs growth, making references to the Midlands Province, one of the ten (10) provinces of Zimbabwe. This research has been carried out against the background of sluggish growth rate among the majority of the SMEs inspite of various government support schemes. The research results are based on the data collected by way of questionnaires and some secondary data. Convenience sampling was used on flea markets, manufacturing and mining sectors. The findings indicate that benefits for SMEs were rather fairly encouraging though below expectation. Most benefits come through loans, training and operating premises. The major benefits are in the form of increased employment opportunities. SMEs encourage self reliance among job seekers. Government's non-intervention in the pricing of goods currently has motivated SMEs entrepreneurs to bring more foreign goods which are not easily accessible in the country. Numerous challenges still exist which include collateral security, equipment, workspace, markets and untimely disbursement of support schemes. Given the right environment SMEs would be productive. The government could ease the plight of SMEs if it observes the following; follow up on projects initiated, increased skills training, uplifting the image of the relevant ministry, encourage export trade, encourage marketing or products and services and provide incentives to encourage competition. The government should address the issues of corruption, transparency, accountability, mismanagement and organizational politics. The nation stands to benefit if the private sector gets involved in resourcing materially and technically to meet the needs of SMEs which are under-capitalised.