The financial environment of small and entrepreneurial firms is changing rapidly and is a topic where significant disagreement remains amongst researchers and policy advisers. This concise textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the current and projected trends in this market for the benefit of students of entrepreneurship at an advanced level. Written by an expert on SME finance, it provides a straightforward review of the external funding choices faced by small business owners, drawing on a range of new data sources which have emerged in recent years, along with a range of case studies. In addition, it includes an analysis of longer term trends and the role of the changing phases of the business cycle to equip readers to better understand the wider market environment both now and in the future. Roberts provides students of entrepreneurship with everything they need to know to excel in understanding the financial environment and its effect on small business