Factores que limitan el financiamiento de las medianas empresas del sector comercial en Guayaquil

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the factors that limit access to financing for medium-sized businesses in the commercial sector in the city of Guayaquil. The research was conducted using a mixed-methods approach, with a descriptive scope and a non-experimental, documentary, field, and cross-sectional design. Surveys were administered to a sample of 290 medium-sized businesses in the commercial sector, and interviews were conducted with experts in the financial and banking fields. The results reveal the existence of structural external obstacles that hinder access to formal credit, including high interest rates, restrictive credit policies, the requirement of collateral exceeding the loan amount, lengthy evaluation processes, and the rigidity of risk criteria applied by financial institutions. This increases the perceived risk of the commercial sector, which is considered vulnerable due to its dependence on consumption and the volatility of sales. Likewise, internal weaknesses in financial management were identified that negatively impact access to financing, such as poorly structured financial management, a lack of up-to-date and reliable financial statements, deficiencies in financial planning and cash flow management, and the mixing of personal and business finances. Due to these factors, the impact is significant and affects the investment, expansion, and sustainability capacity of medium-sized businesses in Guayaquil's commercial sector.