Financing Strategies and Resource Access among Tunisian SMEs: A Multi-Case Study Approach

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore how Tunisian entrepreneurs secure the financial resources necessary to establish and sustain financially viable SMEs.
Study design/methodology/approach: The research was grounded in the resource-based view (RBV) as a conceptual framework. Data were collected through nine semi-structured interview questions with SME owners and managers. Thematic analysis was conducted using coding procedures to identify recurring keywords, phrases, and concepts.
Sample and data: The study focused on a purposive sample of Tunisian SMEs operating across diverse sectors. Data were drawn from interviews with entrepreneurs facing challenges in accessing financial resources.
Results: The analysis generated four key themes: (a) the relationship between SME success and access to financing, (b) strategies adopted when external funds are unavailable, (c) methods used to acquire external financing, and (d) challenges encountered in securing external resources.
Originality/value: The study contributes to understanding the financial behaviors of Tunisian SMEs by highlighting innovative practices and resilience strategies. It offers practical insights for entrepreneurs, financial institutions, and policymakers, with
implications for strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems and promoting sustainable economic growth.
Research limitations/implications: The findings are limited to SMEs operating in Tunisia, which restricts the generalizability of the results. Future studies could extend the research to different national contexts.