Effect of Entrepreneur and Firm Characteristics on the Business Success of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Bangladesh

This study examines the effect of characteristics of entrepreneur and characteristics of the firm on the businesssuccess of Small and Medium Enterprises in Bangladesh. The study is based on survey methodology through aquestionnaire administered on the owners and employees of small firms. Data are analyzed using statisticalpackage for social sciences (SPSS). Two hypotheses are proposed and tested. The characteristic of entrepreneuris found to be a significant factor for business success of SMEs in Bangladesh. However the firm characteristicsare found not to be significant factor on the business success of SMEs in Bangladesh. The results of the analysisshow that only one of the demographic factors which is duration of organization operated has significant effecttoward business success of SMEs. SMEs that are operated longer period have been more successful incomparison to those who have been in operation for a shorter period. In addition to this, independent samplet-test shows that gender plays a significant role on business success of SMEs in Bangladesh. This study hasimplications for entrepreneurs and policy makers.