Competitive Advantage and Business Sustainability Among Small and Medium Enterprises in Enugu State

This research explores how competitive advantage contributes to business sustainability among small and medium enterprises in Enugu State, Nigeria. The South East geopolitical zone hosts a vibrant SME ecosystem, yet many businesses struggle with sustainability due to limited strategic orientation. Using a descriptive survey approach, the study targeted owners and managers of registered SMEs across Enugu, Awgu, and Oji River local government areas. A sample of 100 respondents was selected through stratified random sampling. Structured questionnaires and oral interviews provided the primary data, complemented by business registration records from the Enugu State Ministry of Commerce. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression. The study finds that cost leadership and differentiation strategies are the most commonly pursued competitive strategies among Enugu SMEs, though implementation is often inconsistent due to resource constraints. A significant positive relationship exists between strategic positioning and long-term business survival rates. The research further identifies access to finance, market information, and managerial capacity as critical moderators of competitive advantage outcomes. The study concludes that SMEs in Enugu must develop deliberate competitive strategies supported by capacity-building initiatives to enhance sustainability. Recommendations include government-supported strategic management training programs and SME-focused mentorship schemes. Keywords: competitive advantage, business sustainability, SMEs, Enugu State, strategic positioning.