The business environment in Guinea presents a complex landscape for entrepreneurs, shaped by evolving institutional frameworks and persistent structural challenges. Understanding the specific obstacles and potential enablers is critical for fostering sustainable enterprise development. This study aims to systematically identify and analyse the primary challenges faced by entrepreneurs and to assess the prospects for institutional support mechanisms within the Guinean context. A cross-sectional survey was administered to a stratified random sample of 450 registered small and medium enterprise owners across multiple sectors and regions. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics to determine prevalent themes and significant relationships. Access to formal credit was identified as the most significant barrier, with 78% of respondents citing it as a major constraint. Furthermore, regulatory complexity and infrastructural deficiencies were strongly correlated with lower business growth metrics. The analysis revealed a notable demand for more tailored non-financial business development services. Entrepreneurial activity is substantially hindered by systemic financial and regulatory obstacles, though perceived institutional prospects provide a foundation for targeted intervention. Policymakers should prioritise streamlining business registration processes and fostering the development of credit guarantee schemes. Support organisations are advised to enhance the provision of integrated advisory services that address both financial and managerial capabilities. entrepreneurship, business environment, institutional support, SME finance, West Africa This paper provides a novel, comprehensive dataset mapping entrepreneurial challenges in Guinea, offering an evidence base for designing context-specific enterprise support policies.