Dissertation (MA Business Administration)The study sought to examine challenges faced by SMEs in accessing financial loans required to sustain and expand their operations, from financial institutions. A sample of ninety (90) SMEs was randomly selected from across a wide spectrum of industries was selected. Questionnaires containing both open-ended and close-ended questions as well as interviews with the entities’ managers were used to collect data. It was found that very few SMEs succeeded in accessing funding from financial institutions, the main reason being failure to meet loan requirements, chief among them being provision of security. Recommendations made include education of SMEs on proper management of their entities as well as the need routine update of account records and reports. Government should also play a more active role in ensuring easy access to financial assistance by SMEs, with reduced red tape.