How do micro firms differ in their financing patterns from larger SMEs?

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe vast majority of firms in Europe are micro firms. Still, we know little about their financing patterns. Our paper aims to close this gap. Based on a large European firm-level data set, we find that micro firms differ in their financing patterns from larger SMEs. Our empirical results show that micro firms are more likely to use internal financing instruments, whereas they are less likely to use state subsidies, trade credit or asset-based financing instruments. Furthermore, micro firms differ from larger SMEs by using more short-term debt financing instruments such as credit card overdrafts, credit lines and bank overdrafts. The implications of these findings for micro firms and policy makers are discussed.