IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON THE DIGITALIZATION OF SMALL BUSINESSES

Abstract

The impact of the pandemic on the spread of technology has created an urgent need to adapt small businesses to new conditions. In this article, the author identified the features of the development and implementation of technologies in the activities of small businesses in the new reality. The purpose of the study was to identify key trends in the digital economy in the field of small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic and analyze the experience gained to identify areas for further development. To achieve the stated goal of the study the author used method of analysis to analyze the performance of small businesses for 2020 and method of comparison to collate new indicators with indicators before the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis revealed the role of small business in the global economy and outlined general points regarding global digitalization processes during the pre-quarantine period. The main focus was on the current state of small business. As a result of the study, the main changes that took place in the activities of small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic were identified and conclusions were drawn about possible development directions using digital technologies in the new reality.