DETERMINANTS OF BUSINESS SUSTAINABILITY OF SMALL AND MEDIUM SIZED ENTERPRISES IN THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA

Small and medium sized enterprises account for the majority of businesses worldwide and are important contributors of workforce employment. Aim of this paper is to analyse business indicators of small and medium sized enterprises in different economic sectors in Republic of Croatia and determine which small and medium enterprises are mostly exposed to the possible negative consequences of COVID-19 pandemic crisis. For the analysis purposes, paper uses vertical and horizontal analysis of financial statements and analysis of business indicators. Paper results indicate that micro enterprises in Republic of Croatia have a lowest proportion of private financing and highest proportion of short-term obligations and this is reflected in inferior liquidity and debt indicators. Economic measures and subsidies during COVID-19 pandemic ensured certain stability of enterprises and overcome of business challenges. Micro enterprises should take more into account their financing sources and, to increase stability, use long-trm financing.