Аннотация
The article examines the role of government regulation in the development of small businesses in Kazakhstan through the case study of the «Bastau Business» program. The research focuses on analyzing support mechanisms such as grant funding, microcredit, and educational initiatives, as well as their impact on entrepreneurship development, job creation, and the integration of vulnerable social groups. Particular attention is given to evaluating the effectiveness of the program’s implementation during 2017–2021, including indicators such as training completion rates, business plan approval, and entrepreneurial project launches. The authors highlight the program’s social orientation, which aims to engage unemployed individuals, self-employed persons, large families, and other vulnerable categories. The research hypothesis posits that the effectiveness of government support for small and medium-sized enterprises, implemented through programs like «Bastau Business», significantly increases when a comprehensive approach is adopted. This approach includes long-term mentoring for entrepreneurs, stimulation of innovative activity, and adaptation of support tools to the specific needs of various social groups. Such a strategy not only enhances the outcomes of implemented projects but also ensures sustainable entrepreneurial development, contributing to socio-economic growth and improving the quality of life in Kazakhstan. The results of evaluating the effectiveness of the «Bastau Business» program confirm its importance as a tool for supporting small businesses and identify areas for improvement, including strengthening the program’s innovative component and increasing access to financing. Keywords: «Bastau Business», entrepreneurship, grant financing, microcredit, project, government support, employment.