SMALL BUSINESS SURVIVAL AND GROWTH

This paper examines the theme of small business growth in detail by investigating the types of growth which may be found in small firms. A review of the literature examines the factors which are most important in determining small business survival, growth and performance relations. Such information is clearly important for three particular reasons. Firstly, it may give an opportunity to diagnose any early indicators of economic problems of health in small and medium sized business sectors. In turn, any such study may contribute to the creation of a more healthy economic development climate (Birley, 1986). Secondly, it would allow an evaluation of how effective current initiatives are in their aim of helping small business growth. Thirdly, it may be argued that if the causal factors resulting in the successful growth of companies are known, it could assist in those beneficial characteristics which contribute to the growth process being identified.