Access to Capital: What Funding Sources Work for You?
(Released May 2005)
Acquiring capital is a driving concern for small business owners. To gain a better understanding of the options used in financing businesses — whether for growth or survival — the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Statistics and Research Center and its diversity initiative, Access America, conducted the survey Access to Capital: What Funding Sources Work for You? This report, underwritten by Business Loan Express LLC, details the financing hurdles faced by small business owners, including women- and minority-owned businesses, and will help the Chamber elevate awareness of these challenges.
The 1,080 participating business owners who responded to this study represent a diverse business community of women (48%) and minorities (18%). The minority business owners —represented by African Americans, Asians, Hispanics, Native Americans and other — are combined when reporting for all minorities, and separated when appropriate. The
respondents represent predominately small businesses, with 95% having
less than 100 employees.
The survey was conducted in March and April 2005. The executive summary and the appendix, containing the tables of survey results, are available as separate documents below. For ease of use, make sure to reference the bookmarks in the top left section of the PDF documents.
Download the executive summary (PDF) | Download the tables of survey results (PDF)