The impact of networking on access to bank finance for SMEs : Comparison of Iran and Sweden

Abstract: Access to financial resources is considered to be the most constraining feature for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Many researchers describe networking as an essential factor for accessing a bank loan as SMEs seek to access to resources for development. Thus, the objective of this paper is, describe the network impact on accessing a bank loan in Iran and Sweden as well as the similarities and differences in the Iranian and Swedish lending process. Lack of literature in this field was the main reason for choosing one developed and one developing country. Based on the theory which is developed by the author, the impact of networking on accessing a bank loan is examining. Multiple case studies were implemented to gather the necessary information. By interviewing personnel in eight banks in Iran and Sweden and eight SMEs in both countries, this study was conducted. The results reveal that social and official networking could provide easier access to a bank loan in both countries. In addition, only in Sweden would networking with a manager of customer influence the outcome. Further, the results indicate that the principle of the lending process is the same in both countries. The main differences in the lending process are included the interest rate, the number of decision makers and supporting different sectors.