Abstract
This study investigates the impact of co-operative societies on the development of small-scale industries in rural areas of Imo State, Nigeria. It examines how co-operatives influence enterprise growth through credit provision, skill development, marketing support, and social empowerment. A survey design was adopted, and data were obtained from members of selected co-operatives and small-scale industrial operators across eight Local Government Areas. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis. Results reveal that co-operatives significantly enhance business performance by improving access to finance, training, and markets, while promoting social inclusion and employment creation. Constraints such as inadequate capital, poor infrastructure, and weak management still limit their effectiveness. The study concludes that strengthening co-operative institutions can accelerate rural industrialization and recommends policy measures to enhance their developmental capacity.