Economic Prospects and Problems of Cane Based Furniture Enterprises as Family Business and Their Business Trends in Bangladesh

Cane based enterprise is one of the most flourished business in the northeastern region of Bangladesh. The purpose of the present study is to observe the pattern of production of cane based furniture in Sylhet city, identify the prospects and problems, and recommend solutions. The study reveals that most of the cane furniture enterprises (57%) is small and 36% is medium and 7% is large in size. Most of the (86%) entrepreneurs produce sofa, chair, rocking chair and bed. Sofa is the highest item in terms of volume of production while bed is the lowest. Sofa, chair and rocking chair are the most demanded and profitable items. Average monthly production and profit are Tk 221916 and Tk 22500 respectively per enterprise. The study also reveals that 51% entrepreneurs are suffering from shortage of capital and raw materials, whereas 35% of capital, skill labor, etc. The study suggests that entrepreneurs should create demand to all classes of people through proper promotional programs, newest designing, adding new features, extending the usages of cane furniture, improving quality considering customer demand. Government also should patronize this industry by giving logistic supports.