Search

This study aims to determine the distribution of the components of functional business skills and knowledge among entrepreneurs living across different geographical districts, using Asnaf Entrepreneurs of Kelantan, Malaysia as a data source. The study employed a cross-sectional approach and quantitative data were collected from 800 respondents in Kelantan, Malaysia. Based on the reliability and validity testing, this study finalized the instrument to 34 items yielding five factors, i.e., Financial Skills (3 items), Technical Skills (5 items), Communication Skills (3 items), Market Orientation (14 items), and Networking Skills (9 items). Findings of the study revealed that the level of business knowledge among the Asnaf entrepreneurs is moderately low. Furthermore, it was found that the distribution of 'financial skills', 'technical skills' 'communication skills', 'marketing skills', and 'networking skills' are significantly different across the districts of Kelantan. Policy makers and other developmental organizations should therefore focus on interactive programs in order to increase the level of knowledge and skills among the Asnaf entrepreneurs particularly in the district of Jeli, as knowledge is crucial to entrepreneurship, which in turn is vital for economic growth and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]