ПРОБЛЕМЫ РАЗВИТИЯ МАЛОГО БИЗНЕСА И МЕХАНИЗМОВ ЕГО ПОДДЕРЖКИ В РЕГИОНЕ (НА ПРИМЕРЕ ВЛАДИМИРСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ)

Abstract

Small business plays a crucial role in the modern economy. It is associated with an increase in the quality of life of the population, an increase in production efficiency, an expansion of markets for goods and services and many other areas of social activity. However, in our country, the contribution of small and medium-sized entrepreneurial structures to gross domestic product (GDP) is about 20–22%, and the share of employed economically active population does not exceed 20–25%, while in developed economic countries these indicators are several times higher. In addition, the negative effect that the coronavirus pandemic and restrictive measures taken by the Government of the Russian Federation had led to the fact that the turnover of small and medium-sized businesses according to experts of the National Rating Agency decreased in 2020 by 2.8 trillion rubles, and its share in the country’s GDP could decrease to 18.5% (under a stressful scenario). The most affected were industries that provide services directly related to tourism and hospitality, since during this period not only travel, but many familiar things were inaccessible: going to restaurants and cafes, visiting cinemas, shopping in shopping centers, receiving full-time education and much more. Among other industries with the worst dynamics of falling trade turnover was also the activities of small enterprises engaged in real estate operations, in the production of oil, gas, coal, pipeline transport (including due to negative price conditions in world markets). The formation and development of the regional economy directly depends on the activities of business, including small ones, since the latter is aimed at providing services and producing goods that are consumed mainly in the region, by its residents and guests. Consequently, small businesses have a predominantly pronounced regional focus. Therefore, the development of small and medium-sized enterprises is one of the strategic priorities of state policy, both at the federal and regional levels. The article considers the dynamics, main problems of development and state support of small businesses in the Vladimir region.