Global Journal of Management and Business Research, B: Economics and Commerce, Volume 23 Issue 1

Source: Field Study 2022, Business Performance After Acquiring the Loan The bar graph above, showed 30 entrepreneurs expressed satisfaction with the performance of the loans and that their businesses grew, expanded and were sustainable translating to 60%. The entrepreneurs extolled and commended the microfinance institutions as the tool which helped government to reduce poverty levels in the compound. 20 entrepreneurs stated that their businesses experienced average growth and were able to reach the break even point after getting the loans form the microfinance companies, this number translated to 20%. 15 entrepreneurs experience low groeth rate translating to 15% but were still optimistic that their businesses would be pick one day while 5 entrepreneurs who never obtained any loans were still struggling with the business representing 5%. The majority of the people who had the opportunity to access the financial support implemented it in the businesses which pushed them out of the dependence syndrome and were then living far above the poverty datum line in the compound. They further listed the other benefits as development of skills, improvements in the customer services, high sales growth and expansion of customer base which in turn improved the income flow of the businesses. 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 No Loans Low growth Business Expansion Average growth Benefits the SMEs Derive from Microfinance Institutions on Empowerment and Poverty Alleviation in Chazanga Compound, Lusaka, Zambia 15 Global Journal of Management and Business Research Volume XXIII Issue I Version I Year 2023 ( ) B © 2023 Global Journals Figure 1.0: Bar Graph Showing SMEs Level of Satisfaction on the Benefits of Microfinancing