An Exploratory Study On Access Of Financial Credits By Small And Medium Size Enterprises In The Centre Region Of Cameroon
Ndam Njoya Inusa Junior
ICT University
Alain Vilard Ndi Isoh Ph.D
ICT University
Penn Emmanuel Mbuh
ICT University
Keywords: SMEs, SME operators, Commercial Banks (CBs), Credit Access
Abstract
This study seeks to explore the difficulties faced by small and medium size enterprises to access financial credits from main stream commercial banks in the centre region of Cameroon. The study is qualitative, and follows the philosophical orientation of subjectivism ontology and interpretivism epistemology. Samples of fifteen (15) SMEs operators were purposively selected and data was collected via in-depth-interviews, and analysed using the Grounded Theory Approach. The validation of the analysis was supported by the concept of theoretical saturation through series of comparative analysis involving open, axial and selective coding processes. Results revealed that poor credit rating by SMEs is the major impediment to access financial credit. Auxiliary challenges exposed were: bank bureaucracy and inadequate collateral. Proposed solutions to ease credit access include: interest rate reduction, a flexible loan appraisal process, loan insurance, and reduction of collateral requirement by main stream banks in Cameroon.