FINANCIAL AND INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES OF SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES IN THE CONTEXT OF BUSINESS MODEL SELECTION

Abstract

The article provides a comprehensive study of the financial and investment activities of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs in the context of the selection and implementation of a business model under current economic conditions. It is substantiated that small and medium-sized businesses play a key role in shaping a competitive environment, ensuring employment, and fostering regional economic development, while the level of their financial and investment activity directly affects the dynamics of national economic growth. At the same time, it is proven that limited financial resources, increased risks, and instability of the external environment complicate the process of attracting investment and necessitate the use of effective financial and analytical tools. The paper analyzes the main approaches to assessing the financial and investment activities of SMEs, including financial, rating, expert, and integrated methods. The influence of macroeconomic, regional, sectoral, and internal factors on the formation of investment attractiveness of enterprises, as well as on the choice of an optimal business model, is examined. Particular attention is paid to the role of the regional investment environment, state and local support, and institutional conditions in ensuring financial stability and investment development of small and medium-sized enterprises. The expediency of applying a comprehensive financial and analytical approach to evaluating the financial and investment activities of SMEs is substantiated, combining quantitative financial indicators with a qualitative assessment of the business model and the external operating environment. It is proven that the use of such an approach enhances the validity of managerial decision-making, contributes to increasing the investment attractiveness of enterprises, stimulates investment processes, and ensures their sustainable development in conditions of economic instability