Small business research is becoming more sophisticated as an increasing
number of scholars study more complex analytical issues. In many cases
research pertaining to the small firm is part of the incomplete and
inefficient markets controversy in the finance literature. Because of
their size and traditional organizational form, small firms often find
it extremely difficult to attract significant resources in sophisticated
financial markets. These markets appear to be segmented and incomplete;
whether or not the markets are efficient is subject to much debate.
Adyances in Small Business Finance presents a variety of research
studies that indicate the unique roles of debt and equity and the
sources of funds for small firms. This book contributes important
insight into major questions that face small finns' financiers,
managers, and owners on a daily basis. Many of the studies in this
volume deal with aspects of valuation of the small firm. In some
instances, the focus is on the firm's ability to attract debt or equity
and in others the emphasis is on valuation of the small firm's capital.
Constand, Osteryoung, and Nast focus on the determinants of capital
structure for small firms that are privately owned and are highly
dependent on commercial loans as their supply of debt. Timothy Bates
examines firm viability and finds that surviving firms are those that
began with greater initial capital, create new jobs, and are led by
entrepreneurs who are better educated.