Research on financial literacy levels of SMEs

Financial literacy includes the skills of individuals and businesses, such as being informed about financial matters, saving, and investing. SMEs need to have a high level of financial literacy to effectively reduce their costs, manage risks, and make the right financial decisions in the future. This study aims to examine the financial literacy levels of SMEs operating in Bolu province. The sub-objectives of the research include determining whether financial knowledge, financial attitude, and financial behavior variables differ according to gender, marital status, age groups, educational status, companies' activity period, turnover, position levels, working hours, and financial literacy levels. For this purpose, the survey technique, one of the quantitative research methods, was used to collect data in the study. The study sent a survey to all SMEs operating in Bolu province (excluding districts). However, the surveys of 89 SMEs reached within this group were evaluated. As a result of the study, it was determined that there was a difference between the participants' financial knowledge levels and gender. Additionally, differences were found between the level of financial literacy fin, financial behavior, and financial knowledge. Increasing the financial literacy levels of individuals in SMEs can help them make healthier financial decisions and increase economic prosperity in the future. Finally, considering the limited number of studies on determining the financial literacy levels of SME employees and managers, this study contributes to the sector and literature. KEYWORDS: Finance, Financial Literacy, SME