Role model and entrepreneurial intention of small business owners in Nigeria

The study aims to explore the impact of role models on the entrepreneurial intentions (EI) of small business owners in Nigeria. Specifically, the impact of the gender role model, the education role model, and the age role model on entrepreneurial intention. The authors have surveyed selected small business owners in Edo State Nigeria. The study uses regression analysis to analyze data collected from 120 business owners. The result suggests that gender role model has a significant effect on entrepreneurial intentions. The education role model has a significant effect on EI. Furthermore, age role model significantly influences entrepreneurial intentions. Authors, therefore, have concluded that perceived similarity of role model personal attributes influence potential entrepreneurs' willingness to establish a new business.