DRIVING SUSTAINABLE GROWTH: THE ROLE OF ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS IN SMALL-SCALE ENTERPRISES IN AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

Entrepreneurship is vital for economic growth and organizational sustainability, especially in developing economies like Nigeria. This study explores how entrepreneurial skills—communication, negotiation, conflict resolution, and multi-tasking—affect the sustainability of small-scale enterprises in Akwa Ibom State. Using survey data from 109 hotel employees, the research applies a quantitative design to test the significance of these skills. Findings show strong links between entrepreneurial skills and sustainability across economic, social, human, and environmental pillars. Communication fosters customer loyalty and employee motivation; negotiation improves resource access and stakeholder satisfaction; conflict resolution reduces inefficiencies and promotes workplace harmony; multi-tasking enhances adaptability and resilience. This study bridges entrepreneurship and sustainability literature, offering practical insights for entrepreneurs, policymakers, and academics. It concludes that prioritizing human relations skills, alongside targeted training, government support, and sector-specific strategies, are essential for long-term viability of small-scale enterprises in Akwa Ibom state and Nigeria.