Significant attributes of creation and development of the business environment in the SME segment

Abstract

The aim of the article was to define, quantify and compare the significant attributes of creation and development of the business environment for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Within this stated objective relevant factors and business relationships between entrepreneurs and socio-economic system were analyzed. It was evaluated how entrepreneurs perceive their environment (state, company, banks, universities, etc.). The data was collected through questionnaire. The whole research was conducted in the Zlin region (Czech Republic) on a sample of 180 SMEs and in the region of Trencin (Slovakia) on a sample of 105 SMEs. On the basis of the results of our research we can conclude that the most important motive for starting a business in Slovakia was money. In the Czech Republic, it was found out that the most important motive for starting a business was an attempt to have a job. Entrepreneurs in both countries as the most important characteristic feature of the businessman stated a quality of not to be afraid of risk. In the Czech Republic two other characteristics followed: perseverance and expertise. In Slovakia, the following qualities were mentioned: expertise and responsibility. Our research confirmed that higher education does not represent significant advantage in business and entrepreneurs evaluate the level of higher education rather primly. Entrepreneurs in both countries greatly felt that the society perceives them wrongly. In their opinion, the state has failed to fulfill its role in promoting entrepreneurship. The largest number of entrepreneurs in both countries said that their country just bullied them and creates unnecessary obstacles. Major obstacle in business is also the high level of corruption in both countries. Entrepreneurs indicated that commercial banks access to finance for SMEs during the crisis worsened and banks behaved in a disproportionate manner. This trend is caused by growth of credit risk in the SME sector. Among the most important determinants of growth of credit risk can be classified decrease of performance and profitability of Czech and Slovak SMEs.