FUNDING FOR SMES IN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE CRISIS SHIELD: SUPPORT FROM DISTRICT LABOUR OFFICES.

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to analyze the effectiveness of financial support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) provided by the Poviat Labour Offices (PUPs) in the Silesian Voivodeship under the Polish government's Anti-Crisis Shield during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach: The study employs secondary data analysis, collecting and processing existing data from all 32 Poviat Labour Offices in the Silesian Voivodeship. The research involved statistical analysis of the types, amounts, and success rates of the financial support measures to evaluate their effectiveness. Findings: The findings indicate that the Anti-Crisis Shield significantly helped SMEs in the Silesian Voivodeship to sustain their operations and retain jobs. The majority of applications for support were processed efficiently, with a high percentage of approvals. The most common type of aid was one-off loans for covering ongoing business costs, reflecting the immediate need for liquidity among businesses. Research limitations/implications: The study is limited to the Silesian Voivodeship and may not fully represent the effectiveness of the Anti-Crisis Shield in other regions. Future research could expand to other voivodeships to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of the program. Practical implications: The results of this study can inform policymakers and public administrators on the critical factors that contribute to the successful distribution of emergency financial aid. It underscores the importance of efficient administrative processes and the need for clear communication channels between public institutions and SMEs. These insights can help improve the design and implementation of similar support programs in future economic crises. Social implications: The research highlights the critical role of government intervention in mitigating the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on SMEs. Effective distribution of financial aid helped stabilize the local economy and protected jobs, contributing to social and economic resilience during the crisis. Originality/value: This article provides valuable insights into the practical implementation and outcomes of the Anti-Crisis Shield, emphasizing the collaboration between public institutions and SMEs. It serves as a case study for policymakers and business support organizations to develop strategies for future economic crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]