Introduction. Amid a full-scale war and profound socio-economic changes in Ukraine, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face heightened vulnerability to crises. Destruction of production and transport infrastructure, interruptions in supply chains, restricted financial resources, workforce displacement, and the escalation of cyber risks all create significant challenges for business operations. In this context, effective crisis management becomes essential for facilitating adaptation, maintaining stability, and restoring entrepreneurial activity. The integration of crisis management strategies with digital transformation initiatives and governmental support mechanisms has given rise to innovative approaches for guiding the development and resilience of SMEs.
Problems. Military and economic instability further intensifies the difficulties confronting SMEs, resulting in financial volatility, decreased liquidity, market losses, organizational disarray, and an increased likelihood of bankruptcy. Simultaneously, the current government support mechanisms demonstrate limited effectiveness, largely due to institutional constraints and administrative obstacles.
Purpose. This research seeks to examine the present condition and development challenges of SMEs in Ukraine amid a wartime crisis, evaluate the contribution of crisis management and the efficiency of governmental support mechanisms, and outline prospective pathways for their sustainable growth.
Materials and methods of research. The investigation draws upon the scholarly work of both domestic and international researchers in crisis management, official statistics from the State Statistics Service of Ukraine, relevant legislative documents, and strategic policy plans of government authorities. The study utilizes methods including analysis and synthesis, systemic and structural approaches, comparative evaluation, generalization, statistical data processing, as well as logical and visual modeling techniques
Results. The research indicates that SMEs in Ukraine are functioning amid significant uncertainty, constrained financial resources, logistical challenges, and heightened operational risks. Despite these difficulties, enterprises exhibit considerable adaptability by relocating operations, modifying business models, reorienting product lines, and actively adopting digital technologies. The study underscores the practical value of implementing comprehensive crisis management strategies. In addition, governmental and international support mechanisms for SMEs were examined, revealing their positive contribution to maintaining entrepreneurial activity, while also exposing limitations related to fragmentation, restricted accessibility, and procedural complexity. The analysis further identifies potential pathways for the development of SMEs in the post-crisis period.
Conclusions. Small and medium-sized enterprises in Ukraine function in an environment characterized by high volatility and risk, yet they demonstrate substantial capacity for adaptation through business model adjustments, relocation, and digital transformation. Effective crisis management is essential for maintaining organizational resilience and long-term viability. The future growth of SMEs will largely depend on the alignment of government policies, the availability of financial resources, the efficiency of institutional support, and Ukraine’s integration into the European economic framework.
