Impact of Lack of Financial Resources on The Progress of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Saudi Arabia
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https://doi.org/10.14419/tgkj4j63
Received date: August 11, 2025
Accepted date: November 27, 2025
Published date: December 9, 2025
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SMEs; Saudi Arabia; Financial Resources -
Abstract
The present state of SMEs in Saudi Arabia is a topic of discussion since it's considered one of the most influential countries in the Arab region. Since Saudi Arabia is a growing economy, holding immense dominance as an oil exporter in the global market, it is important to employ strategies that maintain the longevity of the resource. A major segment overcoming this dependence is Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), which is one of the fastest-growing industrial sectors in the country’s economy. The present study revolves around identifying the Impact of a lack of financial resources on the progress of SMEs in Saudi Arabia. The methodology for this project is quantitative. For the quantitative study, a survey was conducted among the employees (N=500) of 100 different small and medium-sized companies in Saudi Arabia. The inferential results indicated that Saudi Ara-bia is significantly impacted by the coefficients considered in the study. It was found that the insufficient size of the loan or maturity has a high impact on the hindrance to the progress of the SMEs in Saudi Arabia. Factors considered in this study will be used for further research work with a bigger sample size for a better understanding. Studies related to SMEs in various Middle East countries with regions can be conducted to compare the situation of SMEs in Saudi Arabia and what problems faced by SMEs in it.
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How to Cite
Alshami, R. S. . (2025). Impact of Lack of Financial Resources on The Progress of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Saudi Arabia. International Journal of Accounting and Economics Studies, 12(8), 251-268. https://doi.org/10.14419/tgkj4j63
