Financial Constraints to SMME Growth: Investigating the Moderating Effect of Microfinance

Abstract

Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME) play a significant role in an economy. SMMEs are an important source of jobs, entrepreneurial spirit and innovation. However, despite the noted contribution of SMMEs, in many countries they face serious constraints, often resulting in failure. The constraints and economic environment have significant and unequal effects on SMMEs in different industries and in different locations. Constraints have been used, amongst other growth factors, to understand why some SMMEs fail to grow. The aims of this study was to examine the effect of financial constraints on SMME growth and to investigate the moderating effect of microfinance on overcoming, avoiding or