THE ROLE OF BUSINESS IN THE REGIONAL LABOR MARKET: ANALYSIS OF THE STATE OF BUSINESS SUBJECTS AND EMPLOYMENT OF THE POPULATION

Abstract

This article is devoted to the study of the role of business in the labor market, the analysis of the current state of entrepreneurship in Ukraine, and the identification of key directions and prospects for its development. The article provides statistical data on the current state of business affairs in the front-line Zaporizhzhia region, the dynamics of indicators in the period before the pandemic, during the epidemic and after, as well as since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Russia on the territory of Ukraine. Thus, it was found that during 2022 there was a massive outflow of business due to closure, bankruptcy and change of place of registration. However, already in 2023 and 2024, a part of businesses reached the planned indicators or even exceeded them, although the total volume of work decreased. At the same time, almost a third still assess their financial situation as negative. In addition, the business reported that it faces a number of challenges, including the unpredictability of the situation in the country, the unpredictability of the actions of the state, as well as the shortage of skilled workers and the general imbalance between the demand and supply of labor. The article also examines the mechanisms by which the state currently helps businesses to stabilize their position and develop in modern realities. In particular, this is the "Made in Ukraine" policy, which includes a dozen effective programs. First of all, these are the programs "Affordable loans 5-7-9%" and "Own business", offices "Made in Ukraine", as well as initiatives to provide compensation to farmers for their purchase of Ukrainian-made machinery and equipment, grants for veterans and their families. A separate place in the article is devoted to regional business, its features and place in the regional labor market, using the example of the Zaporizhzhia region. It was found that business in the regional labor market is formed under the influence of the economic specificities of the territories and the needs of specific sectors of the economy. These features create a variety of jobs and create a demand for workers with appropriate qualifications.