The relationship between banks and company business models : sustainability context

Finance and financial markets are the engine of sustainability. Financial institutions are one of the main channels influencing entrepreneurs. By determining the conditions of access to financial services, the financial market affects the decisions and attitudes of entrepreneurs, including their business models. The purpose of this article is to diagnose whether (and to what extent) banks affect the decisions and business models of enterprises. The research material is based on data obtained by survey, supplemented by in-depth interviews with 60 Polish enterprises operating in ESG-sensitive sectors. The study uses correspondence analysis, a method of multivariate analysis. The results of the study indicate that financial institutions have an impact on enterprises that have a business model and such enterprises declare their will to co-operate with the bank and to implement the ESG risk reduction measures recommended by the banks. On the other hand, enterprises that do not have developed business models do not succumb to the bank’s influence and co-operation with the bank is limited to a minimum; usually considering only account keeping and monetary settlements related to it.