The article is devoted to the study of innovative tools for financing small and medium-sized businesses in the global economic system, as well as current trends in the development of alternative sources of credit for international business. The study examines the problems of attracting bank loans to small and medium enterprises, identifies features of using alternative sources of credit to finance the activities of small and medium enterprises in the world, describes groups of alternative methods of external financing of small.Based on the analysis, the features of the transition from traditional to innovative forms of small and medium business financing are identified, the conditions for regulating crowdfunding in the world are identified, the features of the development of alternative credit financing in Ukraine are highlighted. The advantages and disadvantages of crowdfunding as an innovative tool for financing the investment activities of the enterprise are summarized, as well as the prospects for its development in Ukraine are identified.The study substantiates that the current market situation and related uncertainties force the development and adaptation of new innovative instruments for financing small and medium-sized businesses, including the capital market; use hybrid tools, including venture financing and business angel support. According to the results of the research, possible methods of promoting crowdfunding among the countries of the world and scientific and practical recommendations for the introduction of innovative tools for financing the activities of small and medium enterprises in the international business system are proposed.