2024 Proceedings 1049 SSIRC 2024-215 P SUPPORT OF SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES: OWNER- MANAGERS PERSPECTIVE E. M. Rankhumise Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa P. M. Tladi Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa A. Muzanenhamo Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa Abstract The purpose of this paper is to determine the effect of government support on SMEs in Mpumalanga province. The success of SMEs is critical for the economic growth of the country and the creation of employment. In line with the government’s intention to promote and support small businesses, several government agencies are trying to provide them with the necessary support to realise their potential. Despite this support, the SME sector still faces challenges in running their businesses, which poses the threat of imminent failure. A quantitative cross- sectional approach was used in the study, with data being collected at a particular point in time. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. A total of 200 questionnaires were distributed, 119 were returned and 101 were duly completed. Both descriptive and inferential statistics such as Pearson Chi-square were computed using Stata version 18. Respondents agreed that government support was important in promoting entrepreneurial development and was fundamental to the success of the businesses. They indicated that government agencies should advertise their services to the general public so that they may be better utilised. Respondents felt that the success of their businesses arose from the support provided by these agencies. Mixed views emerged from the respondents. The support provided by government agencies was positively acknowledged by SME owner-managers. They perceived the support to be contributing to the success of their businesses. Of the respondents (n = 101), only 12 received government support. This could indicate that SMEs were not aware of the services available, suggesting that government agencies should advertise their services more widely. Keywords: Business success, creation of employment, government support, SME growth, government agencies