Economic mechanisms for SME development in Ukraine under EU financial support

Abstract

The study aims to develop a conceptual framework for SME development for supporting the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in Ukraine, particularly during wartime, through the integration of EU financial mechanisms. A mixed-method approach was used, combining comparative legal analysis of EU and Ukrainian practices with empirical assessment of SME needs and limitations. The core findings highlight a significant gap between existing Ukrainian support mechanisms and European standards, as well as a misalignment in policy implementation. The proposed model introduces a dynamic system of SME financial support tailored to different business development stages, emphasizing low-interest loans, co-financing, and innovation-driven incubators. Recommendations include adapting EU financial instruments, strengthening institutional readiness of SME, and promoting cross-sectoral cooperation. The study acknowledges limitations due to wartime economic instability and inconsistent data across regions. Its originality lies in proposing a flexible, adaptive model grounded in both EU experience and local constraints. The findings contribute to the broader discourse on post-war economic resilience and policy innovation, offering a roadmap for enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of SME in Ukraine.