LIBERIA'S GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND THEIR IMPACT ON THE STARTUP ECOSYSTEM

ABSTRACT: The policies of the government play a significant role in the startup ecosystem in many aspects, such as funding access, infrastructure building, regulations, and entrepreneurial education. In this research paper, the researcher investigates the issue of how government policies in Liberia have influenced creation and survival of new businesses, using the interviews with the Liberian company owners. A technique that is often employed in qualitative research, semi-structured interviews, was used to examine how entrepreneurial ventures are influenced by government programs, incentives, and regulatory frameworks. The results show that despite the success of such programs like Growth Accelerator Programme, the Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank, and the Liberia Innovative Fund for Entrepreneurship in helping companies develop, there are still constant setbacks that need to be overcome. A deficiency in entrepreneurial training at the national level inadequate infrastructure high utility costs, weak enforcement of rules and regulations and illiteracy are evident in this population. Startup entrepreneurs have reported that the startup ecosystem fails significantly in achieving success due to the absence of incentives and continuous support. Studies indicate that Liberia could improve policy enforcement expand entrepreneurial education at secondary and higher levels and provide infrastructure and financial support to new businesses.