The Economics of Small Business Finance: The Roles of Private Equity and Debt Markets in the Financial Growth Cycle
Allen N. Berger
University of South Carolina - Moore School of Business; Wharton Financial Institutions Center; Tilburg University - CentER
Gregory F. Udell
Indiana University Bloomington - Department of Finance
Abstract:
We examine the economics of financing small business in private equity and debt markets. Firms are viewed through a financial growth cycle paradigm in which different capital structures are optimal at different points in the cycle. We show the sources of small business finance, and how capital structure varies with firm size and age. The interconnectedness of small firm finance is discussed along with the impact of the macroeconomic environment. We also analyze a number of research and policy issues, review the literature, and suggest topics for future research.
Number of Pages in PDF File: 69
JEL Classification: G21, G28, G34, E58, L89
working papers series
Suggested Citation
Berger, Allen N. and Udell, Gregory F., The Economics of Small Business Finance: The Roles of Private Equity and Debt Markets in the Financial Growth Cycle. Available at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=137991 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.137991
