The interrelationship between SME government support programs, entrepreneurial orientation, and performance : a developing economy perspective

This study explores the impact of government support programs (GSPs) on the interrelationships between the dimensions of the entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and performance using a sample of agro-based small- and medium-sized enterprises in a developing economy. The study develops a two-dimensional metric of the GSP construct consisting of financial and non-financial GSP interventions. The study finds preliminary evidence that both nonfinancial and financial GSPs have moderating effects that can magnify the impact of the EO dimensions of innovativeness, risk taking, autonomy, and competitive aggressiveness on performance. These findings offer guidance to small business policymakers in developing economies.