Perceptions of government support and development constraints among SMEs in the emerging market

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Abstract

This article examines perceptions of government support and key barriers to the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Akmola Region of Kazakhstan. The study is based on qualitative data from focus groups with 20 representatives from services, trade, manufacturing, and agriculture. Despite the small sample, the research reveals hidden challenges that are difficult to capture through quantitative methods. Drawing on theoretical frameworks on the role of the institutional environment (Bokayev et al., 2023) and regional specificities (Syzdykova & Azretbergenova, 2025), the study identifies major obstacles: bureaucratic barriers, lack of information, limited access to loans, guarantees, and grants, as well as territorial and infrastructural disparities. The findings show that financial support mechanisms are more accessible to medium-sized enterprises, while micro and small businesses face significant constraints. Based on these results, the article proposes policy recommendations, including establishing regional entrepreneurship support centers, simplifying application procedures, revising guarantee schemes, improving transparency of grants and subsidies, and strengthening advisory support. The study highlights the need to align government support measures with the real needs of businesses in a transitional economy.

Keywords: SMEs, Government Support, Qualitative Research, Barriers, Kazakhstan, Policy Recommendations

Authors’ individual contribution: Conceptualization — M.Z.; Methodology — M.Z.; Software — D.S.; Formal Analysis — M.Z., D.S., and A.K.; Investigation — M.Z., A.K., and I.A.; Data Curation — D.S. and I.A.; Writing — Original Draft — M.Z., D.S., A.K., and I.A.; Writing — Review & Editing — M.Z., D.S., and I.A.; Supervision — M.Z.

Declaration of conflicting interests: The Authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

JEL Classification: H0, O4, R1

Received: 30.11.2025
Revised: 19.02.2026; 01.04.2026
Accepted: 13.04.2026
Published online: 15.04.2026

How to cite this paper: Zakirova, M., Shaikin, D., Kussainova, A., & Ashimova, I. (2026). Perceptions of government support and development constraints among SMEs in the emerging market. Journal of Governance and Regulation, 15(2), 281–288. https://doi.org/10.22495/jgrv15i2art24