FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR SMALL BUSINESSES IN THE GREEN ECONOMY: MECHANISMS, INSTRUMENTS AND DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES IN UZBEKISTAN

Abstract

The transition to a green economy requires the development of financial mechanisms that enable small businesses to adopt resource-efficient technologies, reduce their environmental impact, and maintain economic competitiveness. At the same time, limited access to affordable credit, insufficient collateral, high initial investment costs, and uncertainty regarding the economic returns on green technologies affect the implementation of sustainable business projects. The study examines the main directions of financial support for small businesses in Uzbekistan during the transition to a green economy. Systematic and comparative analysis, statistical assessment, and economic generalization are employed. Official data from the Central Bank of Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the World Bank, and the United Nations Development Programme are used to assess the financing environment. The findings highlight 314 10/2026 the importance of concessional lending, partial credit guarantees, interest expense compensation, green investment funds, leasing, blended finance, and private investment. An integrated financing framework combining access to financial resources with environmental performance requirements is proposed. The study emphasizes the importance of transparent eligibility criteria, reliable environmental monitoring, digitalized application procedures, and stronger cooperation among public institutions, commercial banks, and private investors in improving the effectiveness of green finance.