Small Business Growth: Intention, Ability, and Opportunity

Starting from the premise that the small business sector represents a significant proportion of world economy, the literature on small business growth is reviewed and a framework that would help identify pro-growth small businesses is proposed. The results of a study of businesses conducted in Maribyrnong, Australia, are also presented. The purpose of the study is to understand the factors that contribute to a pro-growth small business orientation. The study includes a survey of 409 area businesses as well as case studies and interviews conducted at 20 of the businesses selected for their pro-growth orientation. A high percentage of the 409 firms are disinclined to access external assistance and advice relative to strategic decision-making. A key characteristic of a pro-growth small business, as revealed by the 20 case studies, is a balanced alignment of the owner-manager's intentions, the abilities of the business, and the opportunity environment. The public policy ramifications of the study are discussed.(CBS)