Background of the Study
Collateral requirements are a major determinant of SME funding accessibility in Nigeria. Financial institutions often demand tangible assets as security before granting loans, a practice that disproportionately affects SMEs with limited resources. In Bauchi State, where SMEs play a vital role in local economic development, collateral-based lending has become a significant barrier to funding. Many SMEs lack sufficient collateral, resulting in limited access to necessary capital (Mohammed & Ibrahim, 2023).
The reliance on collateral excludes many viable businesses from obtaining financing, despite their growth potential. This study investigates the implications of collateral requirements and explores alternative funding mechanisms to support SMEs in Bauchi State (Abubakar & Musa, 2024).
Statement of the Problem
The insistence on collateral by financial institutions has created funding challenges for SMEs in Bauchi State. Many SMEs, particularly those in their early stages, struggle to meet these requirements, leading to reduced access to loans and stunted growth. The lack of alternative funding options exacerbates the issue, highlighting the need for a comprehensive examination of collateral-based lending practices and their impact on SMEs.
Objectives of the Study
To examine the role of collateral requirements in SME funding challenges in Bauchi State.
To assess the impact of collateral-based lending on SME growth.
To propose alternative funding mechanisms for SMEs in Bauchi State.
Research Questions
How do collateral requirements contribute to SME funding challenges in Bauchi State?
What is the impact of collateral-based lending on SME growth?
What alternative funding mechanisms can support SMEs in Bauchi State?
Research Hypotheses
H₀: Collateral requirements do not significantly affect SME funding challenges in Bauchi State.
H₀: Collateral-based lending does not significantly impact SME growth in Bauchi State.
H₀: Alternative funding mechanisms do not significantly improve SME funding.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study focuses on SMEs in Bauchi State, analyzing the impact of collateral requirements on funding challenges. It excludes SMEs outside Bauchi State and larger enterprises. Limitations include variability in collateral policies and potential biases in respondents’ feedback.
Definitions of Terms
Collateral Requirements: Assets pledged as security for loan repayment.
Funding Challenges: Difficulties in obtaining financial resources for business operations.
Bauchi State: A Nigerian state with a diverse SME sector.
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