SME Investment and Financing Outlook: Survey Highlights (BDC Capital)

Summary

• A total of 83% of SMEs plan to invest about the same amount or more in the next 12 months.p.3
• Approval rates for SME financing requests reached 81%.p.4
• The proportion of SMEs expecting difficult access to financing decreased to 38%.p.2
• About 59% of SMEs are deemed bankable, representing a 7-point increase.p.2
• Among SMEs planning to request financing, 62% expect it to be easy to get.p.4
• A total of 66% of surveyed SMEs report being profitable.p.2

Key insights

1. Economic deterioration concerns dropped by 6 points, with 49% of SMEs expecting worse conditions in the next 12 months.p.2
2. Confidence among investing SMEs rose significantly, with 84% confident they will proceed with their plans.p.3
3. Improving sales and marketing and increasing efficiency are tied for the top investment goals at 42% of SMEs.p.3
4. High economic uncertainty is cited as the primary barrier to investment by 42% of SMEs.p.3
5. Main financial institutions were the primary choice for financing, selected by 55% of applicants.p.4
6. Short-term financing is required by 71% of SMEs planning to request funding.p.4
7. Growth-related projects are the primary driver of planned financing requests, accounting for 44%.p.4