MEDIATING ROLE OF PERCEIVED ACCESS TO FINANCE ON INNOVATIVENESS AND STUDENTS’ ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENTION

Abstract

Entrepreneurial intention among university students has become a central theme in entrepreneurship research, as it reflects the foundation for future venture creation and economic advancement. This study examines the mediating influence of perceived access to finance on the relationship between innovativeness and students’ entrepreneurial intention in Kaduna State University, Nigeria. Drawing upon the Theory of Planned Behavior (Ajzen, 1991), the study argues that students who exhibit higher levels of innovativeness are more likely to develop entrepreneurial intentions, particularly when they perceive financial resources as accessible and attainable. Using a quantitative, cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from final-year undergraduate students and analysed through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The results revealed that all constructs met the recommended standards for reliability and validity. Innovativeness demonstrated a significant positive effect on entrepreneurial intention, underscoring the role of creativity, curiosity, and willingness to explore new ideas in motivating entrepreneurial behavior. Moreover, perceived access to finance was found to mediate this relationship, suggesting that financial confidence and accessibility enhance the likelihood that innovative ideas are transformed into real entrepreneurial pursuits. The study concludes that innovativeness and financial accessibility jointly foster stronger entrepreneurial intentions among students. It advocates for an educational approach that promotes creativity-driven entrepreneurship and for policy interventions that expand access to funding through innovation grants, venture capital networks, and startup incubation programs. By aligning innovative mindsets with financial empowerment, developing economies like Nigeria can cultivate a new generation of opportunity-driven entrepreneurs.