Abstract

This study examined challenges that impede the growth of SMEs and the factors influencing their growth in Dar es Salaam City The study used a cross-section research design which guided the collection of both quantitative and qualitative data from the field through questionnaire 2Stratified random sampling was adopted to get the respondents of which data were collected from 300 SMEs owners Both descriptive and logistic regression analysis were employed to meet the objectives of the study The results from the descriptive analysis showed the main challenges in the region which include limited access to financial services lack of collaterals and limited training among SMEs owners The logistic regression results indicated that experience ownership startup capital size of the firm and business turnover are critical factors that largely influence SMEs growth Finally the study recommends that all stakeholders should act holistically to support SMEs owners There should be regular training among SMEs owners through seminars workshops and symposia nearby their business premises The Ministry of Finance and Planning Bank of Tanzania BoT should open up a special window for SMEs owners to access soft loans especially those who operate in remote areas Furthermore the government though BoT should keep on regulating the financial market to enhance lending financial institutions to provide soft loans to SMEs owners Moreover experience ownership start-up capital size of the firm and business turnover benefits are important attributes for the growth of SMEs Therefore SMEs owners should strive to maintain these attributes for sustainable growth of their businesses