State support for small and medium-sized businesses in modern conditions

The subject of the research. The study focuses on the theoretical and practical aspects of the problems facing State support for small and medium-sized enterprises in Ukraine. The purpose of the article is to identify the main destructive factors in the development of medium and small enterprises and to identify ways to overcome them. The methodological basis of the article is general scientific and special methods of scientific knowledge, such as dialectical method, analysis, grouping of data, problem-oriented approach. Results of work. The article discusses the special role of medium- and small-scale enterprises in generating GDP, creating jobs and improving the demographic situation. It is noted that a significant proportion of enterprises either operate in the shadow sector or do not take measures to improve profitability. It has been hypothesized that an important reason for this state of affairs is imperfect state support for small and medium-sized enterprises. First of all, there is a heavy tax burden, low wages in the sector, unstable legislation. The worldwide coronavirus pandemic has also been noted as an additional challenge, with most small and medium-sized businesses on the verge of survival through quarantine activities. The field of application of results. The materials, results and conclusions of the article may be used in the activities of various public organizations and local self-government bodies as an analytical basis for appeals about the need for State support for small and medium-sized enterprises, Training of specialists in secondary and higher education. Conclusions. Small and medium-sized businesses are the driving force behind the economy. It provides a large share of GDP, promotes the development of the middle class and has a positive impact on demographic indicators. The opportunity and ability of small and medium-sized enterprises to develop, even under difficult political and economic conditions, proves that it is these entities that support the economy in difficult times. Creating an enabling environment for doing business and developing small and medium-sized enterprises should therefore be a priority for the Government. To this end, support programs must be put in place: infotrmation, financial security and social support. Active and targeted support for the development of small and medium-sized enterprises contributes to the growth of GDP and the creation of new jobs.