Small Business and the Big Banks

Robert W. Sexty is a professor of commerce and business administration
at the Memorial University of Newfoundland and the author of Canadian
Business: Issues and Stakeholders.

The author is correct in her thesis that Canada’s large banks have not
treated small-business enterprises fairly. However, her book does not
adequately outline the issue, and it fails to acknowledge that the
problem is on the decline.

The book includes elementary descriptions of small-business financing
and Canada’s banking system, four case studies illustrating bank
injustices against small businesses, an outline of how entrepreneurs can
avoid a crisis with their banks, and discussion of how the banking
system can be made more responsive to small businesses. The information
provided is too superficial to be of genuine use to entrepreneurs and
others interested in financing a small business. Further, Bellan
neglects to mention that the banks have been appointing ombudsmen, and
some have even created special entrepreneurial funds. Small Business and
the Big Banks is little more than an unsatisfying rehash of the past.