Formation of state financial support for small and medium-sized businesses in Kazakhstan and assessment of its current state

This scientific article comprehensively examines the historical stages of formation, evolutionary development, and the contemporary state of state financial support mechanisms designated for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the Republic of Kazakhstan. In the course of this research, the authors analyze the systematic evolution of entrepreneurship support frameworks, initiating from the critical period of transition to a market economy, while simultaneously providing a rigorous evaluation of the strategic content and operational efficiency of relevant government initiatives. Specifically, the study scrutinizes primary economic instruments such as interest rate subsidies, credit loan guarantees, grant funding, and specialized infrastructure development support. Particular attention is dedicated to the instruments of both direct and indirect financing. These include preferential lending schemes, the subsidization of interest rates, and loan guaranteeing channels facilitated through key national development institutions, most notably the “Damu” Entrepreneurship Development Fund JSC. The practical significance of this research lies in its detailed investigation of the underlying processes that shape state financial assistance for SMEs in Kazakhstan. Furthermore, it delineates the main categories of state programs and support tools, critically assessing their respective advantages and inherent disadvantages. Ultimately, this paper contributes significantly to the academic domain by expanding theoretical and empirical knowledge regarding small and medium business management and the strategic utilization of financial support structures. The findings will enable the broader scientific community, postgraduates, and undergraduate students to acquire a comprehensive understanding of the current paradigm of business financial support and its core structural challenges.

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