Entrepreneurial Innovativeness and Performance of Women in SMEs in Ibadan, Oyo State

This study examined the relationship between entrepreneurial innovativeness and the performance of women-owned SMEs in Ibadan, Oyo State. Employing a quantitative research design, data were collected from 384 women entrepreneurs using structured questionnaires. Analysis revealed a generally low level of entrepreneurial innovativeness among the respondents. Furthermore, the study employed frequency percentage counts and inferential statistics to analyse the instrument of the study. As such, the study revealed that there was a significant relationship between entrepreneurial innovativeness and profitability of SMEs run by Women in Ibadan, Oyo State (r = .000, N= 297, p<.05). These findings suggest innovation is a significant driver of financial performance for women entrepreneurs in Ibadan. The study recommends more targeted support and capacity-building initiatives to further enhance women entrepreneurs’ ability to effectively utilize innovation in their business operations, thereby improving SME performance and sustainability.