Background of the Study
Access to credit is a significant challenge for SMEs in Nigeria, particularly micro-businesses that often lack the necessary documentation to secure loans. Proper financial documentation, including income statements, cash flow records, and balance sheets, is critical for demonstrating creditworthiness and financial stability to lenders (Adebayo & Oladimeji, 2024).
In Ibadan, a city with a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, many micro-businesses face barriers to obtaining credit due to poor financial documentation practices. While government and financial institutions have introduced programs to support SME financing, these efforts are often underutilized due to the lack of adequate financial records. Studies suggest that improving financial documentation can enhance SMEs' ability to access credit and grow sustainably (Oseni & Adeola, 2025).
Statement of the Problem
The inability of micro-businesses in Ibadan to maintain proper financial documentation has limited their access to credit facilities. Many business owners lack the knowledge, resources, or motivation to keep accurate financial records, leading to difficulties in meeting lenders’ requirements. Despite the critical role of financial documentation, there is limited research on its impact on credit access among micro-businesses in Ibadan, creating a gap in understanding this relationship.
Objectives of the Study
To examine the role of financial documentation in SME access to credit in Ibadan.
To identify challenges faced by micro-businesses in maintaining proper financial records.
To propose strategies for improving financial documentation practices among micro-businesses.
Research Questions
How does financial documentation affect SME access to credit in Ibadan?
What challenges do micro-businesses face in maintaining proper financial records?
What strategies can improve financial documentation practices among micro-businesses in Ibadan?
Research Hypotheses
H₀: Proper financial documentation does not significantly improve access to credit for micro-businesses in Ibadan.
H₀: Challenges in maintaining financial records do not significantly affect credit access.
H₀: Improved financial documentation practices do not significantly enhance the creditworthiness of micro-businesses.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study focuses on micro-businesses in Ibadan, examining their financial documentation practices and their relationship to credit access. It excludes larger SMEs and businesses outside Ibadan. Limitations include difficulties in obtaining accurate financial data and variability in documentation practices.
Definitions of Terms
Financial Documentation: The systematic recording and maintenance of a business's financial transactions and statements.
Micro-Businesses: Small-scale enterprises with minimal capital investment and workforce.
Credit Access: The ability of businesses to secure loans or credit facilities from financial institutions.
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