The costs of being public: Is it worth it for smaller companies?

Growing a business towards success requires capital for growth. 3 ways to get cash for growth include:
- increasing revenues
- funding via equity
- funding via debt

Of these 3 options, funding via equity (going public and staying public) can be very expensive. These costs can include:
- meeting tight reporting deadlines
- cost of staff
- cost of professional fees
- complicated and changing securities rules
- complicated and changing accounting rules

Considering these costs, why do smaller companies go public (and stay public)?
- Allows (the potential) for liquidity
- Public relations purposes
- Companies that are not able to fund growth from revenue, and have no assets to support debt (development companies such as biotech and high-tech)

Is it worth the cost?

The standard accounting answer applies (it depends). If you plan to become public, be aware of what your costs are really going to be. Ensure that you spend for value and pay the price properly. If you decide to become public, and are not committed to spending the right amounts to be compliant, you are only going to get the kind of publicity you don't want.