According to a survey conducted by the Institute of Economic Research in August, the vast majority of Ukrainian entrepreneurs – 89% – believe that the end of the war is the main condition for further business development. The second priority is tax reduction, emphasized by 37.6% of respondents. However, this figure has decreased by 10 percentage points compared to January of this year.
This is reported by Finway
Issues of Employee Reservation and Other Important Factors
The third most significant issue identified by entrepreneurs is the reservation of employees — this problem was noted by 25.1% of respondents, whereas a year ago it concerned 31.9% of survey participants. Among other important conditions for improving business operations, respondents highlighted support for entering new markets, finding new partners and clients, deregulation, the return of citizens from abroad, freezing taxes, accessible loans, and direct budget support programs.
Optimism Among Entrepreneurs Grows Despite Challenges
Despite the feeling of long-term uncertainty increasing to 36.5%, short- and medium-term expectations among businesses show positive dynamics. In August, the business activity recovery index rose to 0.08 after two months of decline, and the share of optimistic entrepreneurs reached 46.8%.
“The main obstacles to business operations are considered to be a lack of workforce (62%), security risks, and rising prices (both at 52%)”.
Entrepreneurs continue to face serious challenges, among which the most acute remain the shortage of qualified personnel, security risks, and inflation. At the same time, the gradual improvement in expectations indicates the willingness of Ukrainian businesses to adapt and develop even in conditions of prolonged uncertainty.