How credit constrained are family-owned SMEs in Arab countries?

Utilizing the World Bank Enterprise Surveys, this paper examines the links between family ownership and credit constraints of SMEs in Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, and Tunisia. We found that while family-owned firms have higher need for credit than nonfamily-owned firms, they are more likely to be discouraged from applying for it. Due to this self-selection out of credit markets, they end up more credit constrained even though their credit application rejection rates are below those of nonfamily firms. Stronger firm governance, formal business strategies and good managerial practices can ease access to credit for family-owned SMEs.