As of the end of the first quarter of the current year, over 135 thousand SMEs are registered and operating in the Almaty region. Compared to the previous year, the number of active enterprises has increased by 10.4%. This growth indicates a favorable business environment supported by state programs and active entrepreneurial activity in the region.
The government of the Almaty region attaches special importance to supporting small and medium-sized businesses. In the current year, $8.2 million has been allocated from the local budget for this purpose. As part of providing state support, in the first three months of the current year, 165 projects received support totaling $56 million at a subsidized rate of 7%. Additionally, assistance was provided to 43 projects totaling $34 million through loan guarantees and financial leasing. At the same time, it is worth noting that the regional government is currently considering the possibility of allocating funds to subsidize interest rates.
The development of small and medium-sized businesses plays a key role in stimulating economic growth and social development in the region. The measures of state support provided not only contribute to creating a favorable environment for entrepreneurial activity but also lead to concrete practical results, improving economic indicators and the quality of life for citizens.
For example, by the end of 2023, around 245 thousand local residents found employment in the small and medium-sized business sector, and the total production volume in this sector exceeded $8.2 billion. Last year, small and medium-sized enterprises made a significant contribution to the formation of the regional GDP, accounting for up to 46% of its total volume. Additionally, tax revenues and payments from entrepreneurs in the SME sector amounted to $165 million.