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The Financial literacy of micro-entrepreneurs: evidence from Italy

Author

Listed:
  • Paolo Finaldi Russo

    (Banca d'Italia)

  • Ludovica Galotto

    (Banca d'Italia)

  • Cristiana Rampazzi

    (Banca d'Italia)

Abstract

Entrepreneurs, including those who run very small businesses or sole proprietorships, are often assumed to have sound financial skills as they make frequent financial decisions. This paper explores the issue by analysing the level of financial literacy (FL) of Italian micro-entrepreneurs in comparison with other countries and other Italian adults. The results, based on the 2020 Survey on the Financial Literacy of Italian Adults conducted by the Bank of Italy according to the OECD/INFE methodology, are threefold. First, Italian micro-entrepreneurs have quite low levels of FL by international standards. Second, compared with other Italians, business owners have only a slightly higher level of FL; this is mainly attributable to their higher income and more frequent use of financial services. Third, thanks to their slightly more advanced financial skills, micro-entrepreneurs are more likely to make better financial decisions than other adults. These findings suggest that strengthening the financial literacy of micro-entrepreneurs can have a positive impact on their ability to make better financial decisions and ultimately on the resilience and growth of their businesses.

Suggested Citation

  • Paolo Finaldi Russo & Ludovica Galotto & Cristiana Rampazzi, 2022. "The Financial literacy of micro-entrepreneurs: evidence from Italy," Questioni di Economia e Finanza (Occasional Papers) 727, Bank of Italy, Economic Research and International Relations Area.
    • Handle: RePEc:bdi:opques:qef_727_22
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    File URL: https://www.bancaditalia.it/pubblicazioni/qef/2022-0727/QEF_727_22.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Annamaria Lusardi & Olivia S. Mitchell, 2014. "The Economic Importance of Financial Literacy: Theory and Evidence," Journal of Economic Literature, American Economic Association, vol. 52(1), pages 5-44, March.
    2. Bruhn, Miriam & Zia, Bilal, 2011. "Stimulating managerial capital in emerging markets : the impact of business and financial literacy for young entrepreneurs," Policy Research Working Paper Series 5642, The World Bank.
    3. Frijns, Bart & Gilbert, Aaron & Tourani-Rad, Alireza, 2014. "Learning by doing: the role of financial experience in financial literacy," Journal of Public Policy, Cambridge University Press, vol. 34(1), pages 123-154, April.
    4. Annamaria Lusardi, 2019. "Financial literacy and the need for financial education: evidence and implications," Swiss Journal of Economics and Statistics, Springer;Swiss Society of Economics and Statistics, vol. 155(1), pages 1-8, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Tomelleri, Alessio & Billé, Anna Gloria, 2025. "Spatial interactions and micro-enterprises’ uptake of COVID-19 financial aid: Evidence from a spatial hurdle probit model," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 149(C).

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • G53 - Financial Economics - - Household Finance - - - Financial Literacy
    • L26 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Entrepreneurship
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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