MICROFINANCE SERVICES AND GROWTH OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES: A CASE STUDY OF DALAUSI JUICE COMPANY, WANDEGEYA, KAMPALA, UGANDA
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Date
2026
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Busitema University
Abstract
This study examined the relationship between microfinance services and the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), using Dalausi Juice Company in Wandegeya, Kampala, as a case study. The study specifically assessed the role of loan services, savings/deposit services, and financial education/training in promoting SME growth. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was adopted, using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data were collected from respondents at Dalausi Juice Company using questionnaires and an interview guide and were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analysis. The findings revealed that loan services had a moderate positive and significant relationship with SME growth (r = 0.504, p < 0.001), explaining 25.4% of the variation in growth. Savings/deposit services also had a positive and significant relationship with growth (r = 0.582, p < 0.001), explaining 33.9% of the variation, while financial education and training showed the strongest positive relationship (r = 0.612, p < 0.001), explaining 37.5% of the variation in SME growth. The study therefore concludes that microfinance services contribute significantly to the growth of Dalausi Juice Company by improving access to capital, strengthening financial stability, and enhancing financial management and decision-making skills. The study recommends that the company strengthen its use of affordable loan services, maintain regular savings, and provide practical and continuous financial education and training to its staff. The study further recommends that future research examine other factors such as market competition, customer demand, management practices, and operating costs that may influence SME growth.