The authors propose a more complete conceptual framework for analysis of credit availability for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). In this framework, lending technologies are the key conduit through which government policies and national financial structures affect credit availability. They...

The literature has documented a positive relationship between the use of credit scoring for small business loans and small business credit availability, broadly defined. However, this literature is hampered by the fact that all of the studies are based on a single 1998 survey of the very largest...

This study examines the use of small business credit scoring (SBCS), a newly introduced technology to quantitatively evaluate small businesses applications for micro credits of less than $250,000. Credit scoring statistically predicts the likelihood of borrower default or delinquency. SBCS data...

Changes in the economic environment where banks and small businesses operate have raised questions about the availability of credit to small businesses. Small businesses have fewer alternatives to external finance than do large companies. A brief overview of small firm financing is offered,...

While large firms are financed through public, visible institutions such as the stock market, private firms are financed through less visible, information scarce means – e.g., private equity or debt financing. At different points in a firm's financial growth cycle – at different stages of...

Explores the role of bank-borrower relationships in small firm finance. Focus is on the availability and terms of lines of credit approved by banks. Data were obtained from the U.S. National Survey of Small Business Finances conducted in 1988-89. Telephone interviews were conducted with...