Support for small and medium-sized businesses in the region

In the Administration of Smolensk region there was a meeting of the Commission on holding the competition to provide support for small and medium-sized businesses chaired by the Vice-Governor Igor Skobelev.

This year the emphasis is on the involvement of the funds from the federal budget for the regional program to support small and medium-sized businesses. This year the total funding for the long-term regional target program "Development of small and medium-sized businesses in Smolensk region" for 2013 - 2016 is 251, 8 million rubles: 50.5 million rubles are from the regional budget, 201 3 million rubles – from the federal one.

In compliance with Order № 220 of the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia 28 areas, in which the co-financing of the regional programs for the development of small and medium-sized businesses in the subjects of the Russian Federation is possible, have been identified. Smolensk region applied for the federal competition in 16 areas. 10 programs have been approved by the Ministry. As the participants of the meeting noted, in 2013 the main form of state financial support has been the form of subsidies.

Special attention was paid to the Regional Euro Info Consultancy (Correspondency) Center established on the basis of the Smolensk Chamber of Commerce. 5 million rubles (4 million rubles are from the federal budget; 1 million rubles are from the regional budget) have been allocated for its funding. The main objectives of the Center are to provide information and consultancy services to small and medium-sized businesses, entering foreign markets. For example, in search for business partners and developing new markets. The Smolensk Center also facilitates exporters’ participation in foreign trade fairs and seminars. The Center provides the full range of its services free of charge.

Summing up, Vice-Governor Igor Skobelev pointed out that in 2014 in compliance with the new regional government program approved by Ordinance of the Administration of Smolensk region from 11.08.2013 № 894 "On approval of the regional government program" Economic development of Smolensk region, including the creation of a favorable business and investment climate" for 2014-2020", all the forms of state support , which were approved by the business community and supported by the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia in 2013, remain.