This study examined the relationship between of firm specific characteristics and employment growth of SMEs. The objective of the study was to investigate specific characteristics of a firm that influences its employment growth with particular reference to the SME sub sector. Questionnaire administration technique via a structured questionnaire was used to source for data and information from 200 SMEs owners that have been registered with National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASMEs) in Kwara Central Senatorial district comprising Ilorin West, Ilorin East, Ilorin South and Asa Local Government Areas and had been active since the past five years (2010– 2014). Multiple regression analysis was used to analyse the data with the aid of Stata 11 computer statistical package. The study revealed that the number of firms in a geographic cluster, access to formal finance, firm technology innovation which constitute firms specific characteristics were all significant at 1%. The study concludes that employment growth of SMEs is affected by a web of factors namely age of firm, number of firms in a geographic cluster, access to formal finance, firm technology innovation. It recommends that in order to close this gap and counter SMEs finance malaise; SME development fund should be created and made available through development institutions, commercial banks and micro finance banks. Also, entrepreneurs should adapt new technology system in their business operations

This study examined the relationship between of firm specific characteristics and employment growth of SMEs. The objective of the study was to investigate specific characteristics of a firm that influences its employment growth with particular reference to the SME sub sector. Questionnaire admini...