The Murmansk Region is actively developing the industrial sector, including major projects in such areas as energy and infrastructure, mining and processing, which is the basis for the region's economic growth. Along with this, the regional government is actively working on the development of the urban economy, paying great attention to small and medium-sized businesses.
The Governor of the Murmansk Region, Andrey Chibis, said during an operational meeting that the number of small and medium–sized businesses in the region in January 2025 amounted to more than 26,000 units (26,202), and the number of self-employed citizens was more than 37,000 (37,850).
The growth of both indicators was also recorded. It is especially worth noting that the growth in the number of self-employed over the past year has amounted to more than 33%. It is important that Northerners approach their business responsibly, preferring to conduct it officially.
"In 2024, financial and non-financial support measures were in place to support small and medium-sized businesses in the region. One of them is the Governor's Start program, which is large–scale in terms of support. Within its framework, small and medium-sized businesses and individuals can apply for grants of up to 2 million rubles. The Governor's Start program was launched as part of the plan "To live in the North", from 2020 to 2024, 164 projects worth about 184 million rubles were supported under it," the head of the region noted.
Other support measures are also in place in the Murmansk Region. For example, grants for franchises are provided. Subsidies of up to 600 thousand rubles are provided for entrepreneurs working in socially significant areas.
In addition, educational initiatives for entrepreneurs are actively developing. The Entrepreneurship and Cluster Development Support Centers conduct seminars and workshops to help small and medium-sized businesses grow and develop.
Thus, the region focuses on both large-scale industrial projects and on supporting the urban economy, creating a sustainable and multifunctional economic environment.
/ Ministry of Information Policy of the Murmansk Region /