Problems of Lending to Small and Medium-Sized Businesses during the COVID-19 Pandemic
The article examines the problems of lending to small and medium-sized businesses, aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The research methodology is based on general scientific methods of cognition, methods of comparative analysis, as well as such methodological tools as: analytical introspection, theoretical knowledge, statistical analysis. It is concluded that in recent years, due to the increase in the volume of loans issued to small and medium-sized businesses, there is a decrease in interest rates on loans issued to them, but at the same time there was a decrease in the number of small and medium-sized businesses. It was determined that due to the growth of lending activity of small enterprises, not only the total volume of loans issued, but also the amount of overdue debts increased. It was revealed that the coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated the existing lending problems for small and medium-sized businesses. It is concluded that state support today seems to be a key mechanism for solving not only the problems of lending to small and medium-sized businesses, but also their further functioning.