Effect Of Social Innovation On Business Startups Among Youth In Nasarawa State, Nigeria

This study examines the effect of social innovation on business startups among youth in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The research investigates the role of entrepreneurial skills, access to finance, and social capital in influencing business startup rates. The Study adopted survey research design. Population for the study covers youths within Nasarawa State, with emphasis on those living and resident around Keffi and Karu of Nasarawa State. The study randomly selected 248 respondents for the study via convenient sampling method. Regression analysis is conducted, and hypotheses are tested using t-values and critical values. The findings indicate that entrepreneurial skills and access to finance have significant positive effect on business startup, while social capital has negative but significant effect. The study highlights the importance of targeted interventions to enhance entrepreneurial skills development, improve access to finance, and foster supportive social networks for young entrepreneurs. The study recommended that there should be access to finance, fostering supportive social networks, and implementing policy and regulatory support to enhance business startup among youth in Nasarawa State. Continuous evaluation and monitoring of initiatives are emphasized to ensure their effectiveness. By implementing these recommendations, stakeholders can create an enabling environment for youth entrepreneurship, leading to economic growth and job creation in Nasarawa State.