Examining The Impact of Egyptian Government Financial Programs on Smes Performance: The Mediating Role of Government Non-Financial Support

Abstract

This study aims to identify the importance of government financial support (GFS) for SMEs in Egypt and contributes to the Resource-Based View (RBV) by showing how government non-financial support (GNFS) acts as an intermediary between financial aid and Small & Medium Sized Enterprises (SME) performance.

The study employed a mixed approach. Exploratory research and a quantitative technique utilizing self-administered survey questionnaires. Out of 193 distributed questionnaires, 154 were returned, with valid responses used for the analysis. The empirical results using smart PLS showed that GFS has a significant positive impact on SME’s performance. Additionally, non-financial support mediates the relationship between GFS and SME’s performance. This study offers valuable insights for business managers, professionals, and government officials on addressing mismatches between support provided and the actual needs of SMEs. It highlights the importance of tailoring non-financial support programs (e.g., training, networking) to address the specific needs of SMEs for improved performance. By identifying key areas such as training, consultancy, marketing support, and government policies, the study provides practical guidance to stakeholders, aiming to foster sustainable growth and success of SMEs in Egypt.