SMEs Access to Finance in Croatia-Model Approach

In order of shed light on current position as well as to predict future development of SME environment for operation and development in Croatia information model of entrepreneurs` perception of constraints for operation and development is formulated. Based on determination of main factors influencing quality of SMEs business environment, their evaluation for the year 2013 and their projections for the year 2016 and 2020 construction of the model resulted. Implementation of growth matrix rendered direct and indirect growth rate of the variables. Formulated model gives information to the economic policy decision makers that are necessary to direct small businesses growth. Empirical research undertaken reveals that entrepreneurs both highly ranked cost of finance and access to finance, as a constraint to business which confirms hypothesis 1. Bank loans are very important source of investment finance due to modest capacity of alternative sources of finance. Government should increase capacity of development bank and funds for economic cooperation in order to provide concessional terms lending and equity finance. Furthermore, guarantee schemes should be increased and strengthened. Promotion of alternative finance sources such as venture capital, as well as measures for deepening of financial markets and increase of financial discipline will enrich supply of equity capital and creditworthiness, too.