Abstract
The purpose of the study is to analyze the current state of bank lending to small businesses in the Republic of Kazakhstan, identify key trends, and determine problems. Methods: statistical analysis, comparative analysis, cause-and-effect analysis, and graphical analysis. Results: the authors analyzed lending, determined the role of banks in providing credit resources to the economy in comparison with other financial institutions, and presented the structure of bank sector loans broken down by borrowers, i.e., businesses and individuals. A more detailed analysis was conducted of the dynamics of lending volumes to small businesses by industry and region in Kazakhstan. The study is supplemented by an analysis of data on the participation of banks in lending to entrepreneurs within the framework of state programs to support and develop business in order to identify banks that are leaders in providing preferential credit resources and are the main financial intermediaries between the state and business. Conclusions: the authors conclude that bank lending to small businesses is important, but existing systemic problems require a change in approach, ranging from the redistribution of bank resources between businesses and consumers to the restructuring of sectoral loan portfolios.