Access to finance and SME growth in the formal sector

Abstract

The study sought to investigate the relationship between access to external finance and the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the formal sector, focusing on Gauteng, South Africa. SMEs encounter significant challenges in accessing finance, especially compared to larger corporations, which creates a persistent discrepancy between financial supply and demand in the SME sector. By exploring and addressing the key barriers to accessing external finance for SMEs, this study sought to provide valuable insights into how stakeholders in the ecosystem—such as policymakers, financial institutions, and SME owners—can collaborate to bridge this financing gap for SMEs. The study used a qualitative research approach to collect data through 12 interviews with SME owners and financial experts in the industry to gain insights into their experiences and options with accessing external financing for business growth. The findings indicated that access to external finance remains a significant challenge, with no easing of existing barriers according to the participants in the study. This study confirms that the main obstacles to accessing finance identified in the literature remain relevant, posing persistent challenges to SME growth. While SMEs are widely acknowledged as key drivers of economic growth and job creation, they still encounter obstacles from both public and private lenders. These findings also highlighted the need for more inclusive and innovative financing solutions from the private and public sectors to support sustainable growth in the formal sector.