Support Small Business Research Articles

ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКИЙ ПОРТРЕТ КАЗАХСТАНА: НОВЫЕ ВЕХИ

Recent years have been marked by steady growth of the Kazakh economy, which is supported by the dynamic development of key sectors and the active introduction of new technologies. In 2024, the country continues to successfully adapt to the changing global economic environment, including commodity price volatility and global economic turmoil. The Kazakh economy has demonstrated steady positive dynamics, which is due to the stable growth of key industries and innovative development. Despite global economic challenges and fluctuations in commodity prices, the country continues to demonstrate adaptability and sustainability of economic growth in 2024. International financial institutions and analytical centers agree that the Kazakh economy will maintain moderate growth rates in 2024. This indicates a gradual recovery from global economic turmoil. An important factor contributing to such development is the diversification of the economy, aimed at reducing dependence on commodity exports and stimulating domestic consumption, infrastructure projects and innovation. The Kazakh government is actively working to improve the country's investment attractiveness, support small and medium-sized businesses and develop human capital. These measures are aimed at ensuring sustainable economic growth and improving the well-being of the population. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the current economic state of Kazakhstan, including the dynamics of GDP and GRP, as well as development prospects.

Проблемы доступности и комфортности объектов туристической инфраструктуры для развития автомобильного туризма в России

This study examines the potential for the development of automobile tourism in Russia and its surrounding difficulties, focusing on the convenience and accessibility of tourist facilities. The analysis conducted includes a thorough dissection of the theoretical framework and consideration of the practical elements of the industry. The main objective is to improve and modernize road travel conditions in the country through a comprehensive approach. The paper analyzes existing data and conducts a comprehensive assessment that considers the many factors that influence road tourism. Key problems identified include limited development of the road network, regional differences in infrastructure and a lack of quality services in remote parts of Russia. The challenges faced by international tourism are also raised, including strict visa and customs procedures that prevent foreign road tourists from visiting Russia. It is highlighted that solving these problems will require efforts on the part of both the government and the private sector, in the form of partnership programs to improve infrastructure and services. Specific measures are proposed to develop the transportation network, improve road safety, stimulate rural and ecotourism, and support small businesses in tourism. At the same time, the integration of the latest technologies and the establishment of international tourism are emphasized. Emphasis is placed on the importance of environmental considerations for sustainable tourism development, given the growing interest in road travel in Russia. This study aims to develop strategies that can lead to the successful development of automobile tourism, enriching the economic and cultural life of the country.

Innovation Ecosystem for Resource-Rich Countries: Validation of Entrepreneurship Framework for Qatar as a Case

This study investigated how entrepreneurship can reshape resource-based countries such as Qatar into more diverse, sustainable, and knowledge-driven economies. By integrating both exploratory and quantitative research methods, it closely examines how various elements, including government policies, societal values, financial aids, and technological advancements, interact to influence entrepreneurial success. A significant part of the research involves a survey design based on initial qualitative research from a previous study to test the effectiveness of these strategic suggestions. This paper presents targeted recommendations for stakeholders to enhance entrepreneurship education, streamline business regulations, and introduce a national entrepreneurship zone (ENT-Q) facilitated by a digital platform (Ryadah). These steps aim to improve the entrepreneurial environment significantly, making it easier to access crucial business information, support small businesses through dedicated funds, and shift towards a diversified and knowledge-based economy. The anticipated result is better policymaking in entrepreneurship, increased entrepreneurial activity and success, and a move away from reliance on traditional oil and gas sectors. By offering a detailed plan for promoting entrepreneurship in resource-rich settings, this paper contributes valuable insights into economic diversification and sustainable development, providing actionable strategies that can be adapted to similar economies worldwide in a manner that is more accessible and understandable.

Socio-economic Features of Creating Measures to Support Small and Medium-sized Businesses in Rural Settlements of the Russian Federation

The study examines the problem of supporting small and medium-sized businesses in rural settlements of the Russian Federation. Using the example of entrepreneurship support measures developed in the Vavozhsky district of the Udmurt Republic, the authors demonstrated effectiveness of attracting small and medium-sized businesses to the creation of facilities in rural settlements. Based on the analysis of statistical data, the authors show that the measures implemented in the district to support small and medium-sized businesses have the potential to preserve and develop rural settlements.

Review Studies Key Element of Agrotourism Management

This research seeks to formulate a definition and try to find the key success factors for agrotourism management, especially in Indonesia. Agrotourism helps to preserve local agriculture by providing a new source of income for farmers and encouraging the consumption of locally grown produce. Agrotourism can help diversify rural economies by creating new jobs in hospitality, food service, and transportation. Agrotourism promotes sustainable tourism by encouraging visitors to experience local culture and traditions, while also respecting the environment and supporting local communities. One successful practice in Agrotourism Management is offering farm-to-table experiences. This involves inviting guests to participate in the production and preparation of food, and then serving it on-site. This not only provides a unique experience for visitors, but also helps to promote local agriculture and support small businesses. Another effective practice is creating partnerships with other local attractions and businesses. By working together, agrotourism destinations can offer visitors a more comprehensive and appealing experience. For example, a winery might partner with a nearby bed and breakfast to offer a wine-tasting package that includes overnight accommodations. In conclusion, Agrotourism Management is a crucial aspect of sustainable agriculture and rural development. By promoting responsible tourism activities on farms and ranches, we can create economic opportunities for farmers and local communities while preserving the natural environment.

Analysis of the Results of the State Policy Implementation to Support Small and Medium-sized Businesses in the Stavropol Territory in 2018-2023

The study examines the main measures to support small and medium entrepreneurship at the federal level, and their direct implementation at the regional level on the example of the Stavropol Territory. The study provides statistical data of the Unified Register of Small and Medium Entrepreneurship in the Russian Federation, reflecting the dynamics of changes in the region’s population involved in small and medium entrepreneurship: individual entrepreneurs, employees of small and medium businesses, self-employed. The conclusion is drawn that the policy pursued at the federal and regional level regarding the development of entrepreneurship in the Stavropol Territory is not very effective.

The Effectiveness of Measures to Financially Support Small and Medium-sized Businesses During the Coronavirus Crisis in Kazakhstan

The most important tool for comprehensive support for the development of entrepreneurship in Kazakhstan is specially developed state programs to support small and medium-sized businesses, with an emphasis on concessional lending to priority sectors of the economy. The article presents a study to determine the effectiveness of government measures of financial support for small and medium-sized businesses during the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The role of the mechanism of concessional business lending among other business support measures has been determined, positive and negative aspects of measures aimed at stimulating and supporting entrepreneurship in Kazakhstan have been identified. The statistical data characterizing the state of small and medium-sized businesses during the crisis period have been studied, the risks and consequences of stimulating measures for the economy in the future have been identified. The results of the study indicate that despite the economic downturn, the support measures taken have allowed Kazakhstani small and medium-sized businesses to avoid holding on to business activity during the acute phase of the coronavirus crisis

Miami-Dade County: On the Forefront of Preservation Solutions

Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, the first female mayor of Miami Dade County, describes her administration's efforts to help communities become more climate resilient, to address issues of affordable housing amid immense development, and support small business development through the work of historic preservation

Gamification Supporting Small Business Owners’ Work-Based Learning

Aim/Purpose: This study attempts to apply gamification to support the training of small business owners in business web development from a work-based learning perspective. Background: Web design describes the process of creating a website and embodies many different aspects, such as webpage layout, content production, and graphic design. However, there are many obstacles that small business owners face when developing their websites, such as time and budget constraints, lacking technical skills, and difficulties with content creation. Methodology: Based on the literature review, a gamified training program was developed for website development. The new website design and development training method was compared with the traditional lecture training method from small business owners’ perspectives in the specific work-based learning context. Contribution: This study contributes to the field of work-based learning by developing an innovative gamified training program for small business owners in website development learning. Findings: The results confirm that the gamified training program improved learning outcomes and satisfaction. The results of this study help advance the understanding of work-based training program design and provide insights to support small business owners in learning new technologies. Recommendations for Practitioners: Results confirm that this new training system is superior to the traditional lecture training method. While much attention has been directed to website design and development learning or business activities of small business owners, this study emphasizes the need for work-based learning in such a context. Recommendation for Researchers: This study also shows a potential way for future research by combining technology education and small business owners’ needs. Impact on Society: The results of this study show the advantages of gamified training programs. For their future training program selections, small business owners should pay more attention to gamified training and education systems in the market. Furthermore, gamified training and education systems not only help small businesses but also could be adopted by mid-size or even large companies in their training programs. Future Research: Future research should be conducted to investigate to what extent gamification improves work-based learning and how to design gamification to improve work-based learning.

Enhancement of Small-Scale Businesses in Post-COVID era through Cooperatives in Nigeria

Small-scale businesses are the mainstay of the Nigerian economy and the Covid-19 pandemic that is ravaging the world did not leave this sector untouched. As a result of the devastating effect of measures adopted in curbing the spread of the virus, many small businesses appear to be grappling to find their bearing. Hence, this paper examined the enhancement of small-scale businesses in the Post-Covid-19 era through cooperatives in Nigeria and seeks to establish that cooperatives remain the only essentialist and mutual option for small-scale businesses to remain relevant in a turbulent environment. The ex-post factor study revealed that many small businesses in Nigeria were badly hit by the pandemic and emerging from the aftermath of the virus has not been easy. The paper also indicated that institutional formations like cooperative societies can only help to salvage the plight of small business owners and equally has the capacity to revamp the sector. The paper concluded that the support small businesses might need to revive their business lie within cooperatives and only active involvement can enable proof. The paper, therefore, recommended among others that small business owners should endeavour to join or form cooperative societies and be active in the patronage of cooperatives services. This is because cooperative societies have been proven to have the capacity to empower and revive dying businesses. The government should be made to understand the capacity of cooperatives in economic development and adequately partner with them in incorporating small businesses into cooperative societies.

A Study on How to Support Small and Medium-Sized Businesses for the Promotion of the Digital Outdoor Advertising Industry

A Study on How to Support Small and Medium-Sized Businesses for the Promotion of the Digital Outdoor Advertising Industry

Pivot & Thrive: Supporting Small Business Success as an Agent of Positive Change

Faced with strict lockdown regulations in the response to the Covid-19 pandemic, small business owners enlisted new technology to come together and make better decisions about operating businesses in a difficult market. Using applied Appreciative Inquiry practices, the Pivot & Thrive community uses collaboration to create market opportunities. With the success of co-creation amongst members in Vermont, the Pivot & Thrive community is now opening its doors to invite participation from entrepreneurs across borders.

Supporting Small Businesses in Place

How do lawmakers support small businesses most deserving of assistance in places most in need of governmental support? As a means for approaching this question, this Essay examines two recent laws — the Paycheck Protection Program and the Opportunity Zone tax incentive. The Paycheck Protection Program was the cornerstone of the CARES Act, designed to keep employees on payroll during the worst parts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Opportunity Zone incentive was implemented to provide economic development stimulus to neighborhoods identified as needing capital investment following the Great Recession.Both laws purported to support small businesses. However, in practice, both failed to deliver promised capital to the most marginalized business owners in places most in need. In the case of the Paycheck Protection Program, larger businesses, including those with access to capital from other non-governmental sources, were able to access initial rounds of federal funds because of their close relationship with Small Business Administration-certified lenders. In the case of the Opportunity Zone incentive, although there is no official reporting, voluntary data collection indicates that most investments are flowing into large commercial real estate developments instead of small businesses.There are a number of implications and research questions arising from analysis of these laws. This Essay seeks to draw out additional similarities and differences between these two laws. It seeks to both offer a critique of the Biden Administration’s proposals with respect to economic development interventions supporting small businesses in places in need and suggest improvements to these laws, as well as future ones.

ПРОБЛЕМИ ТА ПЕРСПЕКТИВИ РОЗВИТКУ ПІДПРИЄМНИЦТВА В УКРАЇНІ

The article considers the issues of business development of Ukraine. Supporting small business and building a society-oriented economy are becoming important areas of Ukraine’s reform. The main factor is to raise people’s living standards and promote the integration of the national economy. Based on a detailed analysis of statistics and indicators that characterize Ukrainian business trends, namely: the number of companies, number of employees, sales, financial indicators, we are trying to find a way out, looking for new ways to reform. Promising ways to solve these problems in the context of small business support are proposed. In today’s market economy, Ukraine is forced to overcome many macroeconomic obstacles, mainly due to inefficient financial security, excessive tax pressure and other restrictions imposed by law. The creation of an appropriate legal framework for business development primarily involves the establishment of legal guarantees to ensure freedom and protection of private property, the formulation of effective laws and regulations aimed at stimulating entrepreneurship, eliminating legal contradictions and repealing regulations that hinder the development of private initiative. By ignoring the benefits of entrepreneurship, the number of employees increased and the number of self-employed decreased. These processes negatively affect the social activities of citizens, inhibiting the desire and ability of people to pursue specific interests associated with the active activities of independent businesses. Therefore, in order to introduce an effective mechanism of entrepreneurship in Ukraine, it is necessary to first take certain measures to democratize market relations and reduce social tensions. The interests of entrepreneurs should be protected not only by government agencies, but also by individual organizations created to lobby the business community, whose views are important in the national decision-making process, especially with regard to taxation and donations. Therefore, a promising way to overcome these obstacles should be to reach a consensus that entrepreneurs should protect their own interests. The role of the state should be only to improve the necessary infrastructure and create an effective legal framework to create space for the development of public organizations and other associations aimed at solving the problems of Ukrainian business development.

РЕАЛІЗАЦІЯ ЄВРОПЕЙСЬКОЇ ТА ЄВРОАТЛАНТИЧНОЇ ІНТЕГРАЦІЇ ЯК ЗАСОБУ ЗАЛУЧЕННЯ ІНВЕСТИЦІЙ В ЕКОНОМІКУ НА ПРИКЛАДІ ПРИЧОРНОМОРСЬКОГО РЕГІОНУ УКРАЇНИ

At the present stage of development in the economy of Ukraine there is the problem of attracting investment. Various countries of the European Union and other countries are ready to invest in the Ukrainian economy. Investments develop the economy of Ukraine, namely, support small and medium-sized businesses, introduce the latest technologies, improve public authorities and more. It is necessary to intensify foreign investment in the Black Sea (southern) Region. Based on statistics, the most stable increase in exports of goods is observed in the economy of Mykolaiv region, which indicates the development of projects and programs of European and Euro-Atlantic integration, but in Donetsk, Odessa and Kherson regions unstable increase in exports of goods, so it is necessary to increase projects and programs European and Euro-Atlantic integration to attract investment, as well as increase the implementation of international experience exchange programs for small and medium-sized businesses. Based on statistical data, the unstable increase in imports of goods was revealed, which does not show the significant negative impact on the economy of the Black Sea Region of Ukraine, but it is necessary to increase investment efficiency and implement investment projects. As the result of the analysis the growth of foreign direct investment in the economy of the Black Sea Region of Ukraine is investigated, which shows insufficiently effective development of the economy of the Black Sea Region of Ukraine, therefore it is necessary to increase the attraction of foreign investments in the economy, to support small and medium business in the economy and to introduce international experience exchange programs for small and medium business in the economy of the Black Sea Region of Ukraine, etc. It is considered that to increase the implementation of projects and programs of European and Euro-Atlantic integration to attract investment in the Black Sea Region of Ukraine it is necessary to perform the following actions: implement anti-corruption programs, realization training for civil servants of Ukraine, introduce international experience exchange programs, etc.

Clustering Russian regions by the level of agricultural efficiency

The article discusses the key changes in the mechanism of providing agricultural subsidies to the regions of the Russian Federation. The division of subsidies into compensating and stimulating parts, with the subsequent retention of only the stimulating part, may lead to the redistribution of subsidies to regions that previously received a small part of state support, but are promising from the point of view of agricultural development. In addition, the incentive part of the subsidies will be used to solve socio-economic problems, as well as support small businesses in the form of specific projects (support will be more targeted). In the present study, a system of statistical indicators is proposed for determining groups of regions by the level of efficiency, but not only economic and industrial, but also social and environmental efficiency. Based on one or another aspect of efficiency, regions can justify the need to allocate funds to them from the incentive part of state support. The article identifies and characterizes clusters of regions by the level of agricultural efficiency.

Розвиток потенціалу вищої освіти у територіальному розрізі як інструменту підвищення конкурентоспроможності регіону

The paper is devoted to the development of the potential of higher education in the territorial context as a tool for increasing the competitiveness of the region, in particularly the problems and prospects of the Kirovohrad region. In the paper the presence of a strong relationship between the number of students and gross regional product per capita is established. The analysis of changes of quantity the available population in Ukraine and Kirovohrad region in particular is carried out. It is established that the studied region is characterized by the migration reduction during 2015-2019 years. The movement of entrants from the Kirovohrad region is analyzed by the author, the main recipient-regions are identified. The dynamics of the average monthly wages of full-time employees in Ukraine and the Kirovohrad region in 2010-2019 years are analyzed and the share of large, medium, small and micro-enterprises in the selected regions in relation to the total number in Ukraine in 2010-2018 are analyzed. It was determined that the most negative factors which affect on the development of the potential of higher education in the regions are: demographic crisis, migration decline, low average monthly wages and low business activity in the region. It was revealed that the most effective tool for eliminating the negative tendencies in the development of the potential of higher education is the creation and support the development of innovative-oriented cluster structures, the purpose of which is to ensure the effective interaction of authorities, universities, business and society for the synergistic effect in the socio-economic development of the Kirovohrad region. In addition, creation the jobs positions with high added value; support the innovation infrastructure; support small and medium business; creation the attractive infrastructure for youth; encourage business to the scientific cooperation; promotion higher education and jobs positions in the Kirovohrad region; creation the effective system of postgraduate education and training; involvement the representatives of higher education institutions in the process of branding the region; initiation a regional educational exhibition "Kirovohrad Educational" are suggested by the author.

A Market-Based Alternative to Support Small Businesses Amid COVID-19 Lockdowns Using Dinner Bonds

Lockdown measures to contain COVID-19 put a strain on firms’ liquidity. To support their cash flow some businesses issued dinner bonds to their clients, priced at a discount, redeemable when safe distance restrictions end. These contracts derived their value from a binary variable, in this case, being in-business post-lockdown, and bear significant associated problems. For instance, the value gained by customers with the advance purchase goes to zero if the business goes bankrupt. There are two contributions in this paper, first, a simple valuation model of dinner bonds is developed, and second, a proposal for a large-scale aid program for small businesses is set in a dinner bond based framework, with the addition of two features: (i) the support of a guarantor for businesses’ liabilities; and, (ii) the intervention of a financial regulator. The modified scheme also allows governments to leverage public policy actions on society’s goodwill.

Світовий досвід інноваційного розвитку в умовах економіки знань

The results of the peculiarities analysis of innovatively active countries` development worldwide by comparing their innovative development are presented in the article. The rating of the most innovative countries of the world, which are at different levels of economic development, is formed. Overall, the Global Innovation Index rankings 126 countries. According to statistics, Ukraine has been actively improving its positions for the last few years in the rating and by today is ranked forty-third. The five countries that make the most use of innovation are Switzerland, the Netherlands, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Singapore. In the course of the research, the author examines and generalizes the world experience of innovative development in the leading countries of the world with the purpose of its possible introduction in the process of the national economy functioning in the conditions of the knowledge economy. Innovative development assessment in foreign countries makes it possible to state that state support for innovative development of regions proves the actualization of innovative development of regions and cities stimulation. It can be reached through the new technologies` introduction, support of universities, companies, regional centers with rational use of available resources and opportunities. The improvement directions of Ukrainian regional innovative development are formulated as a result of the foreign experience generalization. To formulate a coherent program, the existing foreign experience of innovative economic development and institutional support of this process should be used. In this context, the results of the study make it possible to conclude that it is advisable to: familiarize yourself with the peculiarities of the formation and development of institutional support for the innovative economy of the US, EU member states, CIS, Japan, China and others; use certain elements of the experience of other countries of the world; focus material and financial resources on the phased implementation of economic modernization programs (USA, EU Member States, CIS Member States, Japan, China and In this context, the study results make it possible to conclude that it is advisable to: familiarize yourself with the peculiarities of the institutional support formation and development for the innovative economy of the US, EU member states, CIS, Japan, China, and others; use certain experience elements of other countries of the world; focus material and financial resources on the phased implementation of economic modernization programs (USA, EU Member States, CIS Member States, Japan, China, and other countries); support small technology businesses (Central and Eastern European countries); implement interstate technological projects, state support and control over the activities of technoparks and technopolis (EU countries).other countries); support small technology businesses (Central and Eastern European countries); implement interstate technological projects, state support and control over the activities of technoparks and technopoles (EU countries).

ПІДПРИЄМНИЦТВО В УКРАЇНІ: ПРОБЛЕМИ ТА ПРІОРИТЕТНІ НАПРЯМИ РОЗВИТКУ

The article analyzes the position of Ukraine in the World Bank's Doing Business 2020 rating, which highlights the opportunities and limitations in doing business in different countries. It was found that improving the investment climate and increasing investment attractiveness for foreign investors is a particularly important task and justifies the relevance of this issue. The purpose of the article is to analyze and assess Ukraine's position in the ranking of investment attractiveness and the formation of proposals and recommendations to improve the conditions for creating new business structures in the country. To achieve this goal, methods of comparative analysis, rating method, graphical method were used. It is established that the conditions of doing business are a clear indicator for foreign investors, an indicator of what may happen to the investor's business after a certain period. It was found that the maximum possible simplification of the procedure of opening, registration and doing business are important issues in Ukrainian practice. The main indicators and indicators have been identified, the influence of which has led to positive changes in the ranking in expanding opportunities for entrepreneurship in Ukraine. A comparative analysis of the dynamic changes in the rating positions on the investment attractiveness of Ukraine over the past 15 years (2006-2020). Problematic issues and bottlenecks in the development of entrepreneurial activity in Ukraine have been formulated. The study made it possible to establish that we should expect a further path of Ukraine's rise, moreover, a number of laws have been adopted that stimulate investment activity and support small and medium-sized businesses. Recommendations for simplifying the procedure for creating and improving the process of conducting small and medium-sized businesses in Ukraine are proposed, which will allow in the future to improve Ukraine's position in the ranking of conditions for the functioning of business structures. The practical value is that compliance with the proposed recommendations will allow for a detailed study of key rating indicators and their dynamic changes in the process of doing business in Ukraine.