Entrepreneur Resilience and SMEs Survival in A Coronavirus Economy of Delta State of Nigeria

Abstract

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have shown that entrepreneur resilience is essential to their survival and success in the face of the exceptional obstacles presented by economic downturn. The purpose of this study is to give a broad overview of the critical role that entrepreneur resilience plays in guaranteeing the survival and prosperity of SMEs in these difficult times. Global economy has been rocked by the downturn, which has had dire consequences for companies of all kinds. But because of their lack of resources, tight budgets, and reliance on regional markets, SMEs have been especially exposed. Gaining knowledge of the elements that enable entrepreneurial resilience and how it affects SMEs can help develop strategies and interventions that will help ensure their long-term survival. The theory of uncertainty absorption, which contends that uncertainty is connected to economic events, is used in this study. The goal of the study was to determine how entrepreneur resilience and SMEs survival related to each other. The independent variable was measured using sub-variables such as leadership, revenue, organizational, financial, and operational resilience. The results showed that since SMEs are inherently susceptible, an entrepreneur's resilience will act as a shock absorber to ensure their survival. The author concluded by recommending the need for more research, ongoing assessment, and flexible policy approaches to support entrepreneurs and SMEs in fostering resilience and accelerating economic recovery. Resilient entrepreneurs embrace change, encourage innovation, and effectively engage their teams, maximizing their chances of not only surviving but also thriving in the face of adversity.