ANALYSIS OF INITIAL START-UP AND FOLLOW-ON FINANCING IN SMES: A STUDY OF ARKANSAS SBDC CLIENT COMPANIES

In this paper, the authors will discuss the results of a recent survey analyzing financing options for small businesses, owners attitudes toward different financing options, and difficulties encountered in gaining such financing for growth. This study sought to address two primary aspects of financing within small businesses – availability/use of outside debt or equity funds, and owner attitudes toward various funding options. The survey instrument was administered to businesses in the Arkansas Small Business Development Center (ASBDC) data base. Selected results from the survey will be presented in this paper.