The Impact of Digital Finance on the Survival and Growth of SMEs: Evidence from China

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study investigates the impact of digital finance on the sustainability and expansion of small and micro-sized enterprises (SMEs) in China. The findings reveal that regional digital finance significantly improves SMEs’ prospects for survival and growth, particularly in terms of business income. Digital finance primarily facilitates SMEs growth by alleviating credit constraints, expanding online operations, and enhancing access to information and knowledge. This benefit is most pronounced for entrepreneurs with limited capital, and early-stage enterprises. However, this transformation necessitates higher prerequisites for regional traditional financial foundation and digital competencies. This paper contributes to a deeper understanding of how digital finance plays a crucial role in enhancing SMEs prospects in emerging markets.