The phrase "scarce capital" refers to a situation where there is a limited amount of money or resources available. It means that there is not enough capital to meet all the needs or demands. Full definition
The very best entrepreneurs are relatively advantaged in times of scarce capital. (abovethecrowd.com)
A failure to do so has the potential to further damage our natural resources sector, and send negative investment signals to other major projects in need of scarce capital. (boardoftrade.com)
Economic activity has an inherently moral purpose: to provide the material undergirding for our common life by allocating scarce capital in ways that will promote economic growth. (religion-online.org)