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...

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...

Conventional wisdom holds that small banks have comparative advantages vis-à-vis large banks in serving small firms, while recent literature suggests this may not be the case. Using a panel of recent US start-ups, we investigate how small bank presence affects these firms in normal times...

We investigate bank relationships in a rarely-considered context – consumer and small business credit cards. Using over one million accounts, we find during normal times, consumer relationship customers enjoy relatively favorable credit terms, consistent with the bright side of relationships,...

Do business bailouts help alleviate recipient firms’ financial and economic constraints, are effects strongest for the primary targets of the bailouts, and are effects temporary or long-lasting? We address these questions for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) small business bailout during...