Factors that impact on the premature closure of small business enterprises: a study in the coastal area of Santa Catarina

This study aims to present the main factors that, in the perception of the former entrepreneurs, impact on the premature closure of Micro and Small Companies (MPEs) in the Northern Coast of the state of Santa Catarina. For that, a theoretical-empirical research, of quantitative nature, of a descriptive character is used, applying the techniques of multivariate data analysis. The sample consisted of 36 companies that discontinued their activities in the period from 2014 to 2016. As a data collection instrument, a structured questionnaire was used. The main results indicate as preponderant factors for the closure of MSE activities, up to the third year, the level of management knowledge and the tax burden. Additionally, the level of managerial knowledge triples and the tax burden increases six times the chances of corporate mortality to occur until the third year of existence. The main results corroborate the theoretical reference, regarding to the unpreparedness of the entrepreneurs in aspects related to managerial and tax knowledge inherent in the business activities.