Small Business Support: Dealing with the Impediments to Growth

There is much evidence in the literature that small business growth has long been regarded as critically important for the economy and for employment growth. This paper focuses initially on an analysis of tbe impediments to business growth identified from the survey responses of small businesses in the western metropolitan region of Melbourne. From the survey information 25 small businesses were then selected for case study analysis to further examine the nature of impediments to growth and to examine how innovative and successful small business operators dealt with these impediments. A number of common impediments were identified, especially problems accessing finance, getting the right employee skills and the low use of support services. Analysis of the case studies yielded some insights as to: how successful small business operators deal with such impediments or obstacles to their innovation and growth; the low level of awareness and expectations small business operators generally have of the support programmes and services currently available to them; the nature of support small businesses would like to have to overcome perceived impediments to growth; strategies needed to successfully engage small businesses in support initiatives and to encourage innovation and growth. The findings have significant implications for small business development initiatives, including the provision of management training and support for small business operators.