The Small and Medium Enterprises in Dili, Timor-Leste, From The Perspective Of Business Stakeholders Basis For Government Policies On Business Operations Program

Authors

  • Adelia Assunção dos Santos Martins Master of Business Administration (MBA) Program at University of the East (UE), Manila-Philippines

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3007/drz9xx96

Keywords:

SMEs, Financial accessibility, Basic Services and Utilities, Employees’ Skills and Capacity Development, Business Stakeholders, Timor-Leste, Regulatory Landscape

Abstract

The study aims to explore the views of business stakeholders regarding government policy on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) operations in Dili, Timor-Leste. The study applied a quantitative-descriptive research design, and the data were gathered based on 167 SME stakeholders of the retail sector, manufacturing, and service sectors, using a validated and designed questionnaire. In this research, descriptive statistics were used, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and the post hoc tests to identify differences among stakeholders' views on the basis of their business profiles. SPSS was also used to provide statistical analysis.

The analysis of the data revealed that the majority of enterprises in Dili are sole proprietorships made up of small firms with a limited workforce capacity, and the owners of small and medium enterprises in Dili have moderate to high educational attainment. The study also found that most of the small and medium enterprises in Dili are moderately satisfied with the government support program; however, for the bureaucratic procedures, delays in releasing funds remain a challenge. The other challenges found in the study are Limited financial options, inconsistent utilities, a shortage of skilled labor, poor market conditions, and regulatory inefficiencies. For the majority of SMEs in Dili, when managing their operations for each day rely on implementing strategies such as digital adoption, product innovation, and attending training programs. However, long-term capacity-building investment remains scant. Variations in challenges and strategies that walls learn about through business size, type, and industry. The findings emphasise the need for flexible assistance to small and medium enterprises in Dili. Policy reform, regulation simplification, and capacity building program are crucial for encouraging the productivity of small and medium enterprises.

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Published

2026-02-14

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 02 (2024): Economy and Business

Section

Articles

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How to Cite

dos Santos Martins, A. A. (2026). The Small and Medium Enterprises in Dili, Timor-Leste, From The Perspective Of Business Stakeholders Basis For Government Policies On Business Operations Program. International Scientific Journal of UNPAZ Timor-Leste, 1(02), 505-510. https://doi.org/10.3007/drz9xx96