Information Provision for Entrepreneurs in Small and Medium Enterprises in Onitsha Anambra State

This study assessed the adequacy of information provision for entrepreneurs in small and medium enterprises in Onitsha, Anambra State, South East Nigeria. Onitsha is one of Nigeria's largest commercial hubs, hosting thousands of enterprises that rely on current business information for market intelligence, regulatory compliance, and strategic decision-making. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and data were collected from 200 enterprise owners and operators through structured questionnaires supplemented by focus group discussions. The study found that entrepreneurs obtained most business information through informal peer networks, trade associations, and mobile internet rather than formal information centres or libraries. Awareness of any structured business information service was very low. The study identified language barriers, inconvenient opening hours, physical distance from information facilities, and the perceived irrelevance of formal library services to business needs as major barriers. The study recommended that public libraries in Onitsha develop dedicated business information units staffed with information professionals who understand the needs of the enterprise sector. Keywords: information provision, SMEs, entrepreneurs, Onitsha, Anambra State.