LACK OF SME FINANCE KEEPS ENTREPRENEURS AT BAY Are there enough sources of finance to stimulate entrepreneurship? Gerrie van Biljon Owners of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) regard access to finance as a major hindrance in either starting a business or expanding an existing business. Not only is this experienced by local businesses, but also by entrepreneurs situated all over the world, with research indicating that access to finance is the main hindrance globally. The question begs why?  The limited finance available for SMEs is as a result of financiers regarding these businesses as high risk, says Gerrie van Biljon, Executive Director at Business Partners Limited (BUSINESS/PARTNERS), a risk finance company which finances and invests in SMEs. “SMEs are often perceived to not have the correct financial systems and controls in place, and have out-dated or questionable financial statements. In many cases the financial leverage is also not at acceptable levels, with...