Entrepreneurial firms commonly become family small business. This study aims to highlight the financial agenda underlying the development of smaller family companies. Following a brief introduction concerning the definition and role of the family business, the debate on the finance gap restraining the survival and long-term growth and prosperity of smaller privately held companies is briefly reviewed. Evidence is drawn from a database of Portuguese smaller family business owner-managing firms, in order to establish their views and experiences about venture capital and financing and other capital options. In conclusion, some tentative policy implications for regional development from the perspective of owner managers, service providers and policy-makers are discussed.

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Family firms,Regional development,Financial agenda,Portugal