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Digital Landscape and Crowdfunding Performance in Bayelsa State

Stanley Ogoun, PhD, Lilian Okrinya

Abstract

With a focus on digital infrastructure, user competency, and platform accessibility, the study examined the impact of the digital landscape on crowdfunding performance among Small and Medium Enterprises in Bayelsa State. According to SMEDAN (2021), 535 SMEs made up the study population, and a survey research design was used. 171 SMEs were chosen for the study using a straightforward random sample method. With the help of SPSS, multiple regression analysis and descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. Regression analysis results showed that crowdfunding success was significantly and favourably impacted by digital infrastructure, user proficiency, and platform accessibility. User competency was the most impactful of the three predictors, followed by platform accessibility and digital infrastructure. The study concluded that crowdfunding performance in Bayelsa State is substantially shaped by the strength of the prevailing digital landscape, particularly the digital skills of entrepreneurs and backers. It was recommended that digital infrastructure be strengthened, that targeted digital and financial literacy programmes be implemented for SME operators, and that crowdfunding platforms improve accessibility, transparency, and trust mechanisms to enhance funding outcomes.

Keywords

Digital landscapecrowdfundingdigital infrastructuredigital literacy

References

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