DEVELOPMENT OF SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES IN KAZAKHSTAN

In this article, the authors analyze small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Republic of Kazakhstan from 2019 to 2023 from the standpoint of output volume by organizational and legal forms, economic activities, regional specifics, age structure, life cycle of companies, entrepreneurial activity. The research is aimed at studying the stages of the life cycle of companies, identifying characteristic features and identifying problems at these stages. The article used extensive statistical materials and studied scientific papers on the research topic. The authors paid special attention to the age of small and medium-sized companies, the duration of business life stages, growth and scaling. Based on the analysis, the factors that influence the viability of the business and shape the current trends were identified. In conditions of market turbulence, SME support plays a key role in the development of the country's economy. The authors examined the instruments of state support for SMEs and, in general, highlighted the features of state policy in this area. In particular, financial and non-financial support measures were investigated. In addition to concessional loans, grants, subsidies and government guarantees, non-financial instruments also play an important role, among which are such as the creation of necessary infrastructure elements, improving business competencies, access to consulting support and mentoring, trainings and workshops, and the development of partnerships. The developed recommendations will contribute to improving the conditions for business development and improving the tools of state support for SMEs.