EXTERNAL FINANCING IN APL: AN ANALYSIS IN THE FURNITURE APL OF MÁCEIO/AL

Abstract

In view of the difficulties faced by small and medium-sized companies in obtaining credit, this research addressed the following question: what barriers and limiting factors hinder the access of companies participating in APL to external financing? In this context, this study aimed to discuss the access to external financing by companies participating in the Local Productive Arrangement (APL) of Furniture in Maceió, Alagoas. Specifically, it sought to identify the barriers to prospecting external financial support, to describe the limiting factors in the access to credit, as well as to mention the support actions developed by the APL management. To reach the proposed objectives qualitative research was carried out, by means of a single integrated case study, whose units of analysis were two participating companies and the management of the Furniture APL of Maceió/AL. The results indicate a wide diversity of difficulties faced by the companies, as well as the moderating role exercised by the management entity of the arrangement.