Abstract:
In this paper, Church and non-Church businesses are economic activities that contribute to the country’s social and economic development whereby participants are involved in activities with the intention of generating income for self-reliance. The study was conducted in two poultry farms located in Moshi municipality and Moshi rural district. Specifically, this paper sought to evaluate the effects of governance, ownership and capital structure on performance of the two cases. Cross sectional research design was employed and 305 respondents were randomly selected. Data collected through questionnaire, interviews and documentary review were analyzed qualitatively through thematic analysis and quantitatively through the use of independent samples t-test and one way ANOVA. Performance of the two businesses was measured by developing performance index. The study found out that governance, capital structure and ownership can affect performance of Church and Non-Church businesses positively or negatively. The study recommends governing boards to develop appropriate governance skills, handle the resources as their own and in their managerial capacity develop and manage capital structure and all financial matters properly.