Smirnova Elena2025-11-112025-11-112008Smirnova Elena / Development of Small and Medium Business Sector in Kazakhstan / Suleyman Demirel University / Сду хабаршысы, 2008https://repository.sdu.edu.kz/handle/123456789/2173The small and medium business (SMB) sector plays a vital role in Kazakhstan’s transition toward a market economy. Despite its potential to stimulate innovation, employment, and economic diversification, SMB development faces numerous challenges. These include high tax burdens, complicated licensing procedures, limited access to finance, and corruption. Internal barriers such as insufficient entrepreneurial skills and lack of market knowledge further restrict growth. The success of SMBs depends on systemic economic reforms, effective financial support mechanisms, and strong institutional frameworks that encourage entrepreneurship. Education and training remain essential tools for improving business capacity and reducing transitional disparities. From a regional perspective, Kazakhstan’s SMB development must align with broader integration efforts across Central Asia. Strengthening the private sector, ensuring fair competition, and reducing bureaucratic obstacles are key steps toward sustainable economic development.enAttribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 Internationalsmall and medium businessentrepreneurshiptransition economyeconomic developmentfinancial supportregional integrationbusiness environmentinnovationArticle