STATISTICAL METHODOLOGY FOR ASSESSING THE COMPETITIVE POTENTIAL AND FINANCIAL STABILITY OF SMALL BUSINESS AND PRIVATE ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Abstract

This article examines the statistical methodology for assessing the competitive potential and financial stability of the small business and private entrepreneurship sector. Small business and private entrepreneurship occupy a special place in the national economy as an important component ensuring job creation, growth of household incomes, and regional economic development, which makes a statistically sound assessment of their competitive potential and financial stability of significant scientific and practical importance. The study systematically examines the statistical methods used to assess competitive potential and financial stability — the indicator-system method, the rating-assessment method, cluster analysis, and discriminant analysis — and comparatively analyzes their applicability. The findings show the need to use a set of interrelated indicators — liquidity, financial independence, working-capital provision, and profitability — when assessing the financial stability of small business entities. Based on the conclusions obtained, practical proposals are developed for improving the statistical monitoring system in the small business and private entrepreneurship sector.