Aleksandr Katsuba on the Issues Concerning Small and Medium-Sized Businesses in Ukraine

Aleksandr Katsuba outlines challenges for Ukraine’s small and medium-sized businesses: power supply interruptions, legislative complexities, high tax burdens, and limited access to financing. He calls for comprehensive state support.

Aleksandr Katsuba, a Ukrainian entrepreneur and owner of Alpha Gas, discusses the main factors affecting the operation of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in Ukraine.

Power Supply Interruptions

Power supply interruptions significantly complicate the activities of SMBs. Due to military actions, Ukraine’s energy infrastructure often suffers attacks, leading to temporary power outages. According to the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine, over 30% of SMBs experienced regular power supply interruptions in 2023, adds Aleksandr Katsuba. These interruptions not only cause downtime but also increase costs for alternative energy sources like generators.

Legislative Challenges

Legislative uncertainty and frequent changes in the regulatory framework are also serious issues for SMBs. According to the World Bank, Ukraine ranked 64th out of 190 countries in ease of doing business in 2023, indicating the need to simplify procedures for entrepreneurs. Bureaucratic barriers and corruption are also key problems, as 56% of SMB representatives consider financial manipulations a major issue, adds Aleksandr Volodymyrovych Katsuba, citing a survey by the European Business Association.

Tax Burden

Ukraine’s tax system raises many concerns among SMB representatives. High tax rates and complex reporting procedures create additional pressure on entrepreneurs. According to the State Tax Service of Ukraine, about 60% of SMBs consider the tax burden excessive, leading to several political scandals, adds Aleksandr Katsuba.

Access to Financing

Limited access to financial resources is a critical problem for SMBs. Banks often demand high-interest rates and strict collateral conditions, making it difficult to obtain necessary capital for business development. According to the National Bank of Ukraine, the average interest rate on loans for small businesses in 2023 was 18%, one of the highest in Europe.

Prospects and Recommendations

To improve the situation, comprehensive measures at the state level are needed. Firstly, the stabilization of the energy infrastructure and the development of alternative energy sources are required. It is also important to simplify business registration and licensing procedures and reduce bureaucratic barriers. Only a comprehensive approach and state support can help Ukraine’s SMBs overcome current challenges and continue to develop amid a complex economic and political situation.

Aleksandr Volodymyrovych Katsuba, a Ukrainian entrepreneur and owner of Alpha Gas, discusses the obstacles to the successful operation of small and medium-sized businesses in Ukraine.