AN EXAMINATION OF POTENTIAL BENEFITS & CONSTRAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH SMALL BUSINESS USE OF E-COMMERCE

ABSTRACT
This study was carried out to examine the potential benefits and constraints associated with small business use of e-commerce. Specifically, the study determined whether small businesses are aware of e-commerce, determined the extent small businesses use e-commerce, determined whether small businesses encounter benefits in the use of e-commerce, and determined whether small businesses encounter constraints in the use of e-commerce. The study employed the survey descriptive research design. A total of 259 responses were validated from the survey. The study adopted the classical theory and the modern Theory meaningful learning theory and the self-efficacy theory. From the responses obtained and analysed, the findings revealed that small businesses are aware of e-commerce. Furthermore, the findings revealed that the extent small businesses use e-commerce is very high. The findings further revealed that small businesses encounter benefits in the use of e-commerce. The study recommends that adequate financing, easy access to loans, government funding should be made available to small businesses. The study further recommended that there is the need for the Nigerian government to put in place new policy guidelines aimed at making e-commerce platforms easier for the entrepreneurs of small businesses.