Although small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play an important role in the economy, access to financial resources is often challenging for them, especially for young entrepreneurs without adequate collateral. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to analyze the problem of financing SMEs through bank loans in Croatia and to identify the obstacles and limitations faced by entrepreneurs. The main goal was to analyze the experiences of entrepreneurs and propose ways to facilitate access to bank loans in order to encourage their growth and development. First, the theoretical framework and overview of previous research and statistical data on SME financing are presented. The primary research was conducted using the online survey method from March 17 to April 7, 2024. The population consisted of all small and medium-sized entrepreneurs, of which there are 135,890 in Croatia (Fina, 2023), and the sample consisted of 150 entrepreneurs who used some type of bank loan. The entrepreneurs were selected using the convenient sampling and chain reaction method, and the obtained data were processed using descriptive statistics. The results of the research showed that entrepreneurs often apply for moderate amounts of credit that are sufficient to finance their needs, but not too large to burden their financial situation. While entrepreneurs expressed a high degree of satisfaction with the simplicity and transparency of the application process, there is room for improvement in the acceptability of interest rates and fees. Recommendations for improving credit availability include simplifying the application process, reducing bureaucracy, and increasing the transparency of terms and costs. This research contributes to the understanding of SME lending in the Republic of Croatia and helps to contextualize the situation in the Republic of Croatia in relation to the European context, providing important insight into regional differences and similarities in SME lending.