SMALL BUSINESS GROWTH IN THE CONTEXT OF TOURISM

Abstract

The discussion evolves around the conceptof small business considering specific characteristics andespecially external factors influencing their performance,more specifically their growth. Analysis related to smallbusiness have noticeably grown in the last twenty years,being for a long time outshined by the global dominance oflarge businesses operations. The huge presence of smallbusinesses in any economy provides a basis for reviewingvarious aspects related to their operations. In terms of theincreasing importance of small business for the recoveryand growth of world economy, the characteristics of smallbusinesses are relevant and important research areas. Smallbusinesses have been considered to be dominant in areaswhere conducting business is strongly influenced by tourism.This paper is oriented strongly towards the issues andsettings of small business with a focus on those situated inthe touristic region of Ohrid, Macedonia. Hence the purposeof this research effort is to determine whether the growth ofsmall businesses is influenced by different aspects,especially the regional aspect of being active in a touristicregion. The empirical research includes 89 companies fromthe most prominent touristic destination in Macedonia, thecity of Ohrid. A multiple regression analysis is used or anempirical point including multiple independent variable andone dependent variable reflecting various aspects of theproposed discussion focusing around growth and tourism.