Credit financing for SMMES in the Free State: development financing institutions versus commercial banks

Access to credit finance is a challenge that faces SMMEs in developing economies such as South Africa. This challenge has been a burning issue to a number of researchers and policy makers alike. The development of SMMEs is important because the sector is an alternative solution to unemployment reduction and poverty eradication. Without enough financial resources, achieving this developmental goal becomes very difficult for SMMEs. The study helps to illustrate the roles played by both private sector (banks) and public sector (OFIs) in affording SMMEs access to credit finance. The results show that there are some challenges facing Fis that prohibit them to achieving the goal. The study, however suggests the possible solutions in addressing the problem.