The report by the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation on the state of small and medium-sized businesses notes growth in a number of indicators. In 2023, the number of SMEs exceeded the pre-crisis figures of 2019 by 7.3%. The number of newly established SME entities in 2023 increased by 17.5% compared to 2022 to 1.2 million.

A qualitative growth of the sector is also noticeable. The total income of SME entities is growing at rates higher than inflation and amounted to 140.5 trillion rubles in 2023. The overall income growth of small and medium-sized businesses since 2019 was 74.9%, and income per SME entity increased by 63%.

"As part of the implementation of the national project from 2019 to 2024, the goal was to increase employment in the small and medium-sized business sector. The report clearly shows that these targets will be achieved by the end of the year, despite all challenges and shocks… The key task looking ahead to 2030 is structural changes in the sector", said Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation M. Reshetnikov.

The gross value added created by SMEs in 2022 amounted to 29.6 trillion rubles—almost 45% more than in 2019.

"The SME sector is the driving force of the economy. Thanks to the national project 'Small and Medium Entrepreneurship', the Government of Russia has created clear, stable conditions for doing business, launched a set of support measures for all categories of businesses—from the self-employed and starting entrepreneurs to successfully developing exporters", noted Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation A. Novak.