The close link between the personal financial affairs of a small business owner and his or her firm has been noted in prior research. This article compares attitudes toward risk on the part of small business owners (SBOs) and non-small business owners (NSBOs). In addition, it compares the...

Literature pertaining to the “liability of newness†contends that newer firms face particular difficulties and a greater risk of failure. This article seeks to determine if “newness†is also a disadvantage in the acquisition of debt capital. Results indicate that newer firms...

This article explores the use of debt capital by small firms using data from the 1998 Survey of Small Business Finances. An examination of the data reveals differences in the characteristics and borrowing experience of small firms by race and ethnicity. Results indicate that although minority...

Prior research suggests that firms owned by women and minorities are smaller, less profitable, and less growth-oriented than those owned by white men. Prior research also suggests that firm performance is influenced by the firm owner's level of human capital in the form of education, employment...

Access to capital is an on-going challenge for small firms. Capital is required to address a broad range of needs: to cover start-up costs, to provide working capital, to secure facilities or equipment, and to hire employees. Most small firms are at a relative disadvantage, because they are too...

This article examines theories of capital structure pertaining to small firms and looks at the capital structure of small to mid-sized manufacturing firms within the context of those theories. Results provide support for Leland and Pyle's (1977) Signaling Theory, Myer's (1984) Pecking Order...

Trade credit is a major source of financing for small firms. This article examines the extent to which small firms use trade credit as well as the extent to which they use "free" versus "costly" trade credit. Those firms that use free trade credit make payment within the discount period....

The close link between the personal financial affairs of a small business owner and his or her firm has been noted in prior research. This article compares attitudes toward risk on the part of small business owners (SBOs) and non-small business owners (NSBOs). In addition, it compares the...

The number of businesses owned and operated by women is increasing rapidly, and women owned businesses are becoming a powerful economic force. It is estimated that half of the businesses in this country will be owned and operated by women by the year 2,000. This article describes research...