In developed economies more than ninety-nine percent of enterprises are small. In the EU there are as many people employed in businesses with more than 500 workers. Small firms are therefore highly important in terms of employment and in many countries are becoming more important in terms of job creation.
Students, politicians, bankers and potential entrepreneurs need to know more about this vitally important sector. This collection synthesises knowledge about small businesses by bringing together key seminal articles on the topic. It enables the reader to better understand why new firms are established and what makes some of them survive and grow. It is particularly concerned with issues influencing the financing of small firms. The material derived is from a variety of different countries in Europe, the United States and Asia.

Introduction by: D.J. Storey