Do Government's Export Programmes For Small Businesses Make Export Competency Possible?

Small businesses (SBs) play a pivotal role, especially in developing economies. As they grow, there could be a need to do business through exports. This paper explored the role of government support on export activites. The qualitative research method in the form of participant observations and semistructured interviews was a chosen strategy. Data from 20 participants were analysed using Atlas.ti software. Both management and agency theories were explored from the view of both government agents and SB managers.|The findings indicated a void in the awareness of government export-enhancing programmes amongst SBs, while participation and benefits differ amongst firms. The findings further indicated that government export support programmes lead to commitments to foreign markets. A model is proposed to highlight evolving exporting constraints and opportunities for export support programmes.|Recommendations are made to government agencies to increase the awareness of export-enhancing programmes and to improve their assistance to emerging exporters.