Uncertainty concerning the business

It has been recognised in a variety of studies that the problem of adequately financing SMEs is a problem of uncertainty. A defining feature of SMEs is the uncertainty surrounding their activities. But much owners or managers inform their banks of what they are doing there is always an element of uncertainty remaining that is not a feature of larger businesses. Larger businesses have grown from smaller businesses as well as have a track record - especially in terms of a long-term relationship with their bankers. Bankers can examine over a period of time that the business is well-run, that managers can manage its affairs and can therefore be trusted with handling bank loans in a proper way. New businesses, in general SMEs, obviously don't have this track record. The problem is still yet broader.

Larger businesses conduct more of their activities in public for example subject to more external scrutiny than do SMEs. Therefore if information is public, there is less uncertainty. For instance a larger business might be quoted on an exchange and therefore be subject to press scrutiny exchange rules regarding the provision of certain of its activities and has to publish accounts that have been audited. Many SMEs don't have to have audits certainly don't publish their accounts to a wide audience and the press are not really interested in them.