The Russian business is developing 16.5 million entrepreneurs and self-employed. More than half of them are satisfied with the financial position of their own business.

Entrepreneurs have also become more optimistic to look into the future and to plan expansion more frequently. Such data showed a joint study by the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia, the Sbera and the Foundation of Public Opinion " Russian mediators: Research Monitoring " (PROIM) following the first quarter of 2024.

" In the first quarter, 53 per cent of entrepreneurs are satisfied with the financial position of their businesses. Survey data are correlated with our figures: the recovery of small and medium-sized businesses in five years has increased by 40 per cent and reached record levels of 25.8 trillion roubles. At the same time, 16 per cent of entrepreneurs in the first quarter were involved in the expansion of business, while 32 per cent planned to do so in the next three to six months " , the Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Russia, Tatiana Ilouchnikov, reported.

Growth in demand, capacity and development prospects (42 per cent), gains and income (28 per cent) are among the main reasons for expansion. Men (38 per cent), law enforcement (39 per cent), entrepreneurs with more than 5 million roubles per year (39 per cent) and businessmen with major customers (37 per cent) and government (40 per cent).

Entrepreneurs have become more likely to plan expansion (37% versus 24% in the last quarter). At the same time, problems relating to suppliers, logistics, costs are declining. Compared to the previous quarter, the number of entrepreneurs complaining about price increases in suppliers fell from 70 to 62 per cent, the supply problems from abroad from 39 to 33 per cent, the increase in marketing costs from 34 to 27 per cent.

From 9 to 14 per cent, the number of expected improvements in the business environment in the near future increased. The share of those who believe that the State supports business has increased from 30 to 34 per cent.

Compared to the previous quarter, demand for concessional loans increased (from 36 to 42 per cent) and tax benefits (from 28 to 35 per cent). On the contrary, the demand for special tax regimes decreased from 55 per cent to 45 per cent, while remaining at the highest level.

The reasons for continuing business for entrepreneurs are different, but the most popular is the desire to work, to feel free (56 per cent) and to earn a living (53 per cent). Frequently, the desire to self-realize (40 per cent), to earn a high income (40 per cent) and to improve people ' s lives (35%) were also mentioned. 21 per cent of entrepreneurs reported their desire to change the world.

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Entrepreneurs ' support is provided through the national project " Small and Medium-Sized Entrepreneurship " and support for the individual business initiative.