Purpose - The study investigates the obstacles faced by small business owners (SBOs) in accessing finance in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. The study aims to identify the causes of inaccessibility to finance for SBOs, investigate the role of government agencies in supporting SBOs, assess the extent to which banks support SMMEs, and suggest solutions to ease the challenge of inaccessibility of finance. Research design, data, methodology -We used a triangulation research design, wherein SMME owners and managers in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality were the target population. We used simple random sampling techniques to select respondents, and conducted in-depth interviews to collect qualitative data. Results - We analyzed quantitative data using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and factor analysis. The qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis. The study identifies and discusses the obstacles in accessing finance; the main among which are the lack of collateral security, poor business plans, lack of knowledge, and lack of financial deposit. Conclusions -We urge the banks, government, and government agencies to support the SMME sector, for it remains the economic engine of many African countries and helps in reducing the impact of socio-economic challenges, like unemployment and poverty.

Purpose - The study investigated the obstacles to accessing finance by small business operators in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. The objectives of the study were to identify the causes of inaccessibility to finance by small business operators, to investigate the role of government agencies in supporting small business operators, to assess the extent to which banks support SMMEs and to suggest solutions to ease the challenge of inaccessibility of finance by small business operators. Research design, data, methodology – Triangulation research design was used in this study. SMME owners and managers in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality were the target population. Simple random sampling technique was used to select respondents. In-depth interviews were conducted to collect qualitative data. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test and factor analysis. Qualitative data was analysed using content analysis. Results - Obstacles to accessing finance were identified and discussed. Lack of collateral security, poor business plans, lack of knowledge and lack of financial deposit are some of the main factors identified. Conclusions - The banks, government and government agencies are urged to support the SMME sector for it remains the economic engine of many African countries. This sector also helps in reducing the impact of socio-economic challenges like unemployment and poverty.