Assessment of the impact of COVID-19 on the development of small and medium-sized businesses

Abstract

The article discusses the specifics of the functioning of small and medium-sized enterprises in the context of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Analyzed the priority measures to support enterprises and organizations by the governments of European countries and the United States related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Own vision of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the development of small and medium-sized businesses was proposed. The key measures have been identified that can improve the financial situation of small and medium-sized businesses after their release from quarantine: restructuring of debts and loans; postponement or discount in payment for rent of real estate; simplified taxation system to reduce the tax burden; reduction or temporary leave without payment of certain categories of personnel; restrictions on hiring new staff; compensation for the cost of the work of consultants who help the company find a new business model and not close; support for businesses moving online (benefits, direct assistance); government procurement to support small and medium-sized businesses.