Small Business Support Research Articles

Microfinance as a tool for sustainable development of small and medium-sized businesses in Kyrgyzstan

The article explores the role of microfinance in the development of SMEs in Kyrgyzstan. The authors analyze the significance of this tool for the country's economy and offer practical recommendations for its use. The results of the study emphasize the importance of the potential of microfinance in the support and development of small and medium-sized businesses, contributing to the improvement of socio-economic indicators. At the same time, state support for the activities of SMEs, in particular ensuring access to financing, including microfinance, remains one of the most pressing problems of the Kyrgyz economy, requiring an integrated approach and careful attention from the authorities.

Analysis of Local Innovation Productivity Agents Within Micro and Small Businesses in The Trade, Industry and Services Segments of The Federal District

Objective: To analyze the effects of the Local Innovation Agent – ​​Productivity program on the adoption of innovative practices and its impacts on the productivity of small businesses monitored in the Federal District in 2023. Theoretical Framework: Innovation is a central element for economic development, a strategy to make companies efficient and competitive in the markets in which they operate, through various types of changes in management and production processes, with results that impact productivity and commercial performance. Method: This research adopted a quantitative-exploratory approach based on the ALI Management System database, which uses the Innovation Radar tool to measure the impact on SMEs and bibliographic research focused on the culture of innovation in organizations. Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed that the companies monitored during the program generally improved their scores in the dimensions analyzed. The results demonstrate that the commerce, industry and services sectors have different impacts and that innovation is still a topic that requires support and access for small businesses. Research Implications: The data collected in this study show the effectiveness of the Local Innovation Agent Program - Productivity in inducing the adoption of innovative practices by small businesses. It is a fact that by adopting measures to monitor entrepreneurs, it is possible to encourage reflection on the part of managers of these businesses so that they prioritize innovative measures that assist and result in business management capable of facing the adversities of market competition. Originality/Value: This study is valuable for analyzing the effectiveness of public innovation policies, with a focus on small businesses. It is clear that other studies are needed to compare results from different territories to better understand the needs of small businesses.

Buying what matters: towards a value model allowing to implement policy preference in public procurement

Purpose The purpose of this study is to promote value as a core concept enabling innovative and socially responsible procurement. It suggests how organisations should analyse value from their own perspective and from that of their stakeholders and users, to keep pace with the expectations of today's society. Design/methodology/approach The study examines developments in recent legislation and case law of the EU as well as observed good practice. It builds on these bases and on economic and behavioural approaches to define value and embed it in the awarding framework of public contracts. Findings While traditional “prescriptive” approaches face legality and efficiency challenges as buyers must take into account societal considerations, this change of perspective allows to pursue policies in a more transparent and defendable manner. The study proposes a simple value model as a framework for such analysis. Research limitations/implications The study opens a field for further qualitative and comparative research, measuring or determining how active implementation of value approaches improve efficiency and/or lead to better fulfilment of procurement and policy objectives. Practical implications Reasoning in terms of value can be further developed into enabling measures promoting sustainable sourcing, support of local and small businesses and bonds with communities. Social implications An explicit introduction of value as a procurement enabler should help organisations to implement their sustainability policies and to better use public procurement as a strategic instrument, and even as a driver of social innovation. Originality/value In spite of the pressing practical challenges related to value in public procurement, literature on this topic is scarce and has mostly tackled the problematics from a purely legal or theoretical point of view. This paper tends to address it from different and more practical perspectives, such as contribution of procurement to governance; linking public procurement and public policy; meaning of innovation from transaction (market) perspective and its implications for tendering.

The Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Small Business Support for Youth Physical Activity Opportunities in Urban, Low-Income, Predominantly Black Neighborhoods.

A relatively low percentage of Black youth meet physical activity (PA) guidelines. An important resource for helping Black youth be physically active is the availability of quality youth physical activity opportunities (YPAO) which manifest, in part, due to support from small businesses. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was a devastating negative societal event that disproportionately burdened the Black community. How the pandemic influenced the relationship between small businesses and YPAOs in this community is vital for understanding the promotion of PA in this high-risk population going forward. To describe small business support for YPAO before and after 2years of exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic. In-person interviews were conducted June through August 2019 (pre-COVID) and 2021 (post-COVID) with owners and managers at small businesses in 20 urban, low-income, predominantly Black neighborhoods. The number of YPAOs supported was significantly greater pre-COVID (n = 104) versus post-COVID (n = 52) (t = 4.6; p < .001). From pre-COVID to post-COVID, the types of YPAOs supported by businesses shifted from a diverse mix to mostly (96%) outdoor, community sports teams. Businesses were more likely to provide goods and services (p = .02) for YPAOs pre-COVID than post-COVID. The major reason for not supporting YPAOs pre-COVID was "not being asked for support" then "not being able to locate YPAOs to support" post-COVID. Exposure to COVID-19 is associated with significant changes in how small businesses support YPAOs. The results are useful for informing strategies and public policies aimed at promoting YPAO support through prominent negative societal events.

FISCAL ASPECTS OF ESG BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CONCEPTS

The subject of the study is the fiscal aspects of the ESG concept of business development. Methodology. The study uses general scientific methods, in particular, theoretical generalisation, methods of analysis and synthesis and statistical analysis, as well as the graphical method to visualise the results of the study. The purpose of the study is to analyse the strategic guidelines of tax policy through the prism of the ESG concept. Conclusion. The fiscal aspects of the ESG concept are an important element in understanding its impact on business. They include various tax incentives and mechanisms that promote the implementation of ESG standards and take into account the consequences of non-compliance for businesses. In particular, fiscal policy includes tax incentives for businesses that invest in green development, support social initiatives or improve corporate governance. In a broad sense, instruments such as environmental taxes are aimed at achieving sustainable growth and economic development. Strategic tax policy guidelines under the ESG approach include encouraging investment in sustainable technologies through tax incentives for companies investing in renewable energy and environmentally friendly projects. Social initiatives are supported through tax rebates for companies that develop programmes to develop local communities and improve working conditions. Corporate governance regulations require companies to report on the environmental, social and governance aspects of their activities. Promoting the circular economy includes tax incentives for companies that implement recycling and waste reduction practices. Support for small and medium-sized businesses includes tax incentives for SMEs that implement ESG standards and easier access to green finance. International cooperation involves bringing tax policy in line with international ESG standards and participating in global tax transparency initiatives. Adaptation to climate change includes the introduction of taxes on greenhouse gas emissions and the transition to low-carbon business models. Green project financing involves the use of tax revenues to support green initiatives. Innovations in tax administration are being introduced through new technologies, and education and training include funding for ESG training programmes. These guidelines will help businesses adapt to new conditions, create sustainable value and meet modern environmental, social and governance requirements.

Analysis of Rural Producers' Performance Indicators: a Case Study of Cooperative Members of the Southern Bahia Cocoa Indication of Origin

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate performance indicators for cocoa in the southern region of Bahia for the period 2021-2023. Theoretical Framework: Through a literature review, this study aims to understand the concepts and connections between Geographical Indication and its impacts on socio-economic development as a basis for analyzing qualitative data collected from the Cacau Sul da Bahia Association and the Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service to evaluate and compare the impacts over time. Method: An applied and exploratory approach was used, using secondary data, which was analyzed according to Bardin's (1997) proposal. Results and Discussion: The research shows the seasonality of cocoa production in the south of Bahia, with production peaks in July, the peak harvest season. Production stability is suggested for the 2021-2023 period. The geographical distribution of producers showed a concentration of production in a few municipalities, as well as the fact that only five maintained regularities over the three years. Research Implications: The research implies the need for management and planning strategies to ensure the sustainability of the sector and promote greater participation by municipalities in cocoa production in the region. Originality/Value: This study proposes a comprehensive assessment of the socio-economic and environmental impacts in a region with a product protected by Geographical Indication.

Implementation of EU legislation into the national legislation of Ukraine in the regulation of state support of small and medium-sized businesses

Implementation of EU legislation into the national legislation of Ukraine in the regulation of state support of small and medium-sized businesses

DEVELOPMENT OF ELECTRONIC COMMERCE IN UKRAINE AND ITS IMPACT ON THE ECONOMY

The development of electronic commerce positively impacts the national economy by transforming business processes and consumer experience. eCommerce provides convenient access to goods and services from anywhere in the world, reducing costs and time spent on purchases, and facilitates the expansion of market opportunities. The aim of this study is to analyze the various characteristics and dimensions of eCommerce development in Ukraine, both before and after the full-scale war, and to examine its profound impact on the economy and broader society. This investigation will consider the shifting trends, challenges, and opportunities within the digital marketplace, offering insights into how these changes influence economic performance and social dynamics. The paper presents an analysis of eCommerce in Ukraine, including the legislative definition of «electronic commerce» and the positive aspects of digitalization on the economy. It examines the effects of global and local factors on the development of eCommerce in Ukraine and provides an overview of the dynamics of Ukrainian eCommerce from 2017 to 2023 in terms of major retailers. A forecast of significant growth in eCommerce revenues by 2029 in Ukraine is provided, based on the adoption of new technologies, including artificial intelligence and blockchain solutions, as well as improvements in digital literacy, expansion of eCommerce infrastructure, changes in consumer habits, and support for small and medium-sized businesses. Based on the analysis, recommendations for post-war recovery of the eCommerce sector are proposed. Conclusions are drawn regarding the positive impact of eCommerce on businesses, the state, and consumers. Further development of eCommerce in Ukraine requires adaptation to new conditions and technological innovations, increased digital literacy, and support for small and medium enterprises in their transition to online platforms

Государственная поддержка малого и среднего предпринимательства агропромышленного комплекса в регионе

The article discusses the main directions of state support for small and medium-sized businesses, recommendations for increasing the effectiveness of state assistance to the agro-industrial complex using the example of the Republic of Buryatia. The purpose of the study is to determine areas for increasing the efficiency of state support for small and medium-sized businesses in the agricultural sector. The authors analyze the performance indicators of small and medium-sized businesses in the agricultural sector, as well as existing programs and instruments of government support, identify their advantages and disadvantages and propose specific steps to improve the situation. The article also discusses the prospects for the development of agricultural entrepreneurship in the region and possible ways to strengthen the role of the state in this process. Today, agribusiness, as a strategically important sector of agriculture, is in the zone of full state support, which consists of systematic measures aimed both at beginners and for organizations and individual entrepreneurs working in rural areas for a long time. This assistance helps become part of the overall goals of rural business development. Every year in Russia there is quite significant financial support from the state budget for various needs, in particular obtaining grants.

On the need to revise measures of state support for small and medium–sized businesses

The proposed study is devoted to the study of the problems of the development of state support for small business in the light of the National Project «Small and medium5sized entrepreneurship and support for individual entrepreneurial initiative» being implemented in the Russian Federation. The methods of induction and deduction, system analysis, and comparison were used as a methodological basis. The subject of the study is the subsystems of the mechanism of state support for small and medium–sized businesses, which most effectively influence the activation of such a significant sector of the economy in the period 2018–2024. The coronavirus pandemic has revolutionized the transformation of small companies, accelerated digitalization, changed business models, organizational structure and thinking of owners, and influenced the number and demographic characteristics of employees. The timely response of the Government and the measures of large–scale state support introduced have significantly offset the possible devastating consequences for the entire segment of small and medium–sized enterprises. The Government’s operational efforts have not been in vain and small businesses have mostly stayed afloat. As a result of the study, conclusions were drawn: there was no further timely «reversal» caused by the special operation; the existing «availability» of financing does not allow achieving the target indicators laid down in the National Project (32.5% of GDP in 2024).Consequently, there is a need to revise government support measures and the need for adjustments to the system and tools aimed at the qualitative transformation of SMEs.

Analyzing transformational role of black women entrepreneurs in Brazilian beauty sector

Purpose This study aims to explore the concept of transformational entrepreneurship (TE), which is relevant in emerging economies such as Brazil with its elevated level of unemployment, taxes and interest rates along with elevated levels of institutional voids, and how firms are including purpose as part of their goals and strategies. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on a multiple case study of six Afro-entrepreneurs, participants of a consulting project from Sebrae, the Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service, a private entity that promotes the competitiveness and sustainable development of micro and small business enterprises (Sebrae, 2022). Findings This work studied the transformational power of entrepreneurship and how six beauty salons led by black women have the ability to not only generate income but also contribute to social and cultural aspects. Practical implications This work demonstrates how TE has the potential to improve the lives of a population that has historically been marginalized and faces the lived consequences of socioeconomic discrimination. Originality/value This paper provides valuable contributions through a case study of transformational, ethnic and women’s entrepreneurship, not very explored in the literature.

FORMATION OF EFFECTIVE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT IN GEORGIA WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF

Besik Kvachantiradze E-mail: b.kvatchantiradze@gmail.com PhD Students,Batumi Shota Rustaveli state University Batumi, Georgia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2833-1007 Abstract: The article discusses the stages of formation of the business environment of Georgia and the ways of its improvement with the cooperation of the European Union. Strengthening relations with the European Union has been the main goal of Georgia's foreign policy for years. Small and medium-sized enterprises, which are the basis of the successful development of the European Union, in recent decade have been operating in close collaboration with large businesses. Therefore, in our opinion, it is interesting to analyze the ratio of large, medium and small enterprises in the European Union. Since Georgia has taken the direction to European development, a number of reforms have been implemented in the country to encourage small and medium-sized businesses, which in turn has a possitive effect on the development of the country's overall economy. In addition to the state support for small businesses in the European Union, all member states have their own national system for stimulating the development of small businesses, the purpose of which is to create an economic climate that will contribute to the creation of economic conditions and normal functioning. This, in the first place, includes the creation of national institutions and the organization of financial assistance, training system for enterprise manager and entrepreneurs who want to start independent activities. Under taking European experience and mechanisms into consideration, a number of projects were implemented in Georgia, which contributed to the expansion and development of Georgian small and medium-sized businesses, in addition, retraining of the Georgian workforce and adjusting working conditions to European standards. Moreover, Georgia can greatly accelerate its economic development, strengthen its competitiveness and achieve its goals - through sustainable growth and job creation. Cooperation with the European Union offers Georgia great opportunities for learning, innovation and integration into the global economy. The article offers recommendations and suggestions that focus on creating closer relations with the European Union and attracting more foreign investment, which will ensure the economic prosperity of the country. Keywords: Business environment, small and medium business, cooperation with the European Union. JEL classification: O1, G2, E4

Pandemia, turismo e educação na Região Norte do Paraná: Análise comparativa com uso do Radar de Inovação

During the pandemic caused by Covid-19, several sectors of the economy went through difficult times in their management, but perhaps the most affected were the tourism and education sectors. In this context, hotel and educational companies were able to count on the transfer of management technologies through the Local Innovation Agents Project, which, in a partnership between the National Council for Research and Technological Development and the Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service, used the Innovation Radar methodology as a management diagnosis. This article aims to compare the Education and Tourism sectors to understand which of them obtained the best results during COVID-19 in the northern region of Paraná, between the months of February 2021 and September 2021. The research is descriptive. The sectors analyzed are Education and Tourism, in the northern region of Paraná. The survey construct includes the 6 dimensions contained in the Innovation Radar, which are: Management by Indicators, Operations Management, Marketing, Sustainable Practices, Innovation and Digital Transformation. The instruments used were the Innovation Radar built in Excel, and online tools for scheduling and holding meetings, such as WhatsApp, Google Calendar, Google Meet and Zoom. The sample is intentional and consists of 3 companies from each sector (Education and Tourism). The results showed that when analyzing which dimensions had the highest growth in each of the verticals, it was concluded that the dimension that achieved the most growth in the Tourism sector was the Marketing dimension, with a growth of 31.65%, on average, and as for the Education sector, Innovation was the dimension that presented the highest percentage of growth, with 64.03%. The Tourism sector presented the best result in Marketing and the Education sector presented the best result in innovation.

STATE SUPPORT OF BUSINESS IN UKRAINE

The article highlights the main directions of state support for small and medium-sized businesses and the functions of the state as a supporter of entrepreneurship development, which consist in providing not only financial, but also informational support, creating and maintaining institutional support and infrastructure. The purpose of the article is to review and analyze the instruments of state regulation and support of entrepreneurship in the countries of the world and the measures and programs introduced by the Government of Ukraine to support and stimulate domestic business. Analysis, synthesis and modeling methods were used to study the state of research. The results of our research was carried out with the help of empirical methods: pedagogical observation, questionnaires, interviews, testing, the method of experimental evaluations. Mathematical statistics methods were used to process the research results. The reasons for the inefficient activity of enterprises are considered, which are connected, among other things, with an unbalanced state policy and the lack of protection from the state. Current areas of support for small and medium-sized businesses are described, including taking into account European programs. State support for small and medium-sized businesses today can be considered insufficiently effective, as evidenced by a number of examples and the consequences of ill-considered decisions by the authorities, which, with the aim of stabilizing the economy in the state, inflict a tangible blow on the activities of small businesses and threaten the existence of a large part of them. The directions of management of small business structures have been determined, the primary tasks of their further functioning and development were outlined, public opinion regarding their activities was formed.

LEGAL REGULATION OF INNOVATIVE ACTIVITIES OF SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED BUSINESSES IN THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN

In this article, the legal regulation of innovative activity of small and medium-sized enterprises is considered. In the current situation, it is necessary to create a scientifically based theoretical base and a stable mechanism for stimulating innovative processes in the domestic economy, to study it from a legal point of view. High indicators of the development of innovative entrepreneurship are directly related to the degree of integration of small and medium-sized enterprises in the innovative sphere. Foreign experience shows that small and medium-sized entrepreneurs will be more profitable due to the introduction of innovations in their activities. In addition, the legal regulation of innovative activity of our small and medium-sized enterprises has not yet been sufficiently developed, which does not allow the development of the innovative system of the country. In this regard, the most urgent task in the field of law is the development of a legal project of innovative entrepreneurship and the determination of ways of further legal development of innovative entrepreneurship. Our country should create projects that stimulate entrepreneurs to engage in small and medium-sized businesses, provide cheap loans, reduce taxes, allocate subsidies, and attract foreign investors. Having studied the legal regulation of small and medium-sized businesses in the Republic of Kazakhstan, the authors considered the legal status of small and medium-sized business entities engaged in innovative activities, defined the concept and legal essence of "innovative activity", analyzed the legal protection of small and medium-sized innovative businesses in Kazakhstan and foreign countries, determined conditions of interaction with infrastructure support for small and medium-sized businesses. As a result of the research, proposals were made to improve the legislation of Kazakhstan in this area.

Направления государственной поддержки малого и среднего бизнеса на разных этапах экономического роста в условиях цифровизации

Introduction. Small and medium-sized businesses are a key engine of economic growth, especially in the context of the digitalization of the economy, where access to digital technologies and digital solutions is becoming increasingly important. The purpose of this study is to substantiate the directions of state support for small and medium-sized businesses, taking into account the specifics of the stages of economic growth in the conditions of digitalization of the economy. The development of small and medium-sized businesses goes through several stages, which can range from the creation of a new enterprise to its diversification and expansion. At the same time, each stage of growth requires an individual approach and special attention from the state.Methods. The research was carried out using a variety of general scientific methods, including a thorough analysis of the works of various authors, synthesis and comparison of information, the use of a system-functional and integrated approach. In addition, the study used data from official statistics, regulatory documents and the legislative framework of the Russian Federation and the DPR. The results of this study not only objectively reflect the theoretical data, but also systematize them for a better understanding.Results. In the course of this study, the dynamics of registered small and medium–sized businesses in the Russian Federation for 2020 – 2024 and new annexed territories – the DPR, LPR, Kherson and Zaporizhia regions for 2023 – 2024 were revealed; the laws of the Russian Federation and legislative acts of the regional level regulating the activities of SMEs were determined. The directions and types of support for SMEs of the DPR at different stages of economic growth.Conclusions. Thus, in the context of the digitalization of the economy, state support for SMEs should be justified and focused on the specifics of the stages of economic growth of this sector. It is necessary to include measures to ensure access to digital technologies, stimulate cooperation and cooperation, ensure financing and create a favorable investment climate.

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED BUSINESSES IN KAZAKHSTAN: TRENDS, PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS

This scientific article examines the role of state support for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in Kazakhstan, identifies the main problems faced by entrepreneurs, analyzes the prospects for the development of this sector, and offers recommendations for improving the situation. To achieve these goals, data from various sources were used, as well as the results of an analysis of existing programs and measures of state support for SMEs. Theoretical significance: 1. Contribution to the academic field: This scientific article will make an important contribution to the academic field by expanding knowledge about government support for small and medium-sized businesses in the context of Kazakhstan. It will help researchers, students, and the academic community better understand the key issues and aspects of supporting entrepreneurship in this country. 2. Theoretical developments: the analysis of the effectiveness of state support for SMEs in Kazakhstan complements the existing theoretical concepts and models for the development of small and medium-sized businesses. The scientific article helps to expand the theoretical understanding of the role of the state in stimulating entrepreneurial activity. Practical significance: 1. Decision support: The research conducted within the framework of a scientific article will have practical significance for the government and the business community of Kazakhstan. The results and recommendations can be used to improve existing government support programs for SMEs and develop new measures that contribute to the development of the sector. 2. Improving business efficiency: The proposals and conclusions discussed in the article can help entrepreneurs and small businesses in Kazakhstan improve their efficiency, overcome obstacles, and use available resources more effectively. Thus, the scientific article has theoretical and practical significance, contributes to the development of scientific knowledge, and provides valuable recommendations on specific business experience and government policy in the field of entrepreneurship support.

Державне регулювання розвитку малих підприємств у контексті відновлення територіальних громад Одеської області

To date it is difficult to predict how small businesses will function in the post-war period. Thus, public regulation and support for small businesses in the post-war period becomes an extremely important issue. The article aims to propose the ways to improve public regulation of small businesses development in the context of the Odesa region’s territorial communities recovery. The author analyzes the research literature on the topic, makes a SWOT analysis of the Odesa region’s small businesses development. The ways for improving public regulation of small businesses development in the form of a model are proposed. The model includes the following components such as creating a small businesses support infrastructure; administrative procedures simplification; financial support; education and training; entrepreneurial ethics and culture development; partnership with local authorities and NGOs; stimulation of innovation and technological development.

ГОСУДАРСТВЕННАЯ ПОДДЕРЖКА МАЛОГО И СРЕДНЕГО ПРЕДПРИНИМАТЕЛЬСТВА В РОССИЙСКОЙ ФЕДЕРАЦИИ

The paper considers the issue of the development of small and medium-sized businesses and measures of state support for small and medium-sized businesses in the Russian Federation that stimulate the development of this sector of the economy

ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SUPPORT FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED BUSINESSES

The article assesses the effectiveness of state support policies for small businesses in conditions of federal budget deficit in the Russian Federation. The subject of the study is a methodology to assess the effectiveness of supporting small and medium-sized businesses. The purpose of the study is to develop a system to evaluate the effectiveness of state support for SMEs. The objectives of the study: to analyze the approaches to assess the effectiveness in Russia at large and abroad, to assess the effectiveness of state support measures for SMEs in Russia and abroad, to propose their own options for assessing the effectiveness of support measures, to present the practical application of the proposed methods. Research methodology: methods of system analysis, generalization, systematization, methods of statistical, dynamic, structural and comparative analysis. Research results: the article develops a system to evaluate the effectiveness of state support for small businesses, which includes several main indicators for evaluating the effectiveness (survival rate of recipients of state support by year; dynamics of average income; dynamics of the average number of employed; dynamics of the average amount of taxes paid by SMEs), as well as an algorithm to conduct an assessment based on a comparison of selected indicators for a group of SMEs that received support with indicators of small and medium-sized enterprises that were not participants in the relevant government programs. Using the proposed assessment system based on the statistical data of the Federal Tax Service of the Russian Federation, an analysis of the effectiveness of state support measures for SMEs in general and in the context of individual forms of support in the period 2019- 2022 was carried out. Based on the significant deviation of the selected indicators of SME recipients of support from the average values in the whole SME sector (and/or in relation to SMEs that did not receive support), a conclusion is made about the high efficiency of state support for SMEs. It is also established that the impact of various forms of state support on the functioning of SMEs is different.