Today, Governor Andrey Chibis held an expanded meeting of the government of the Murmansk Region, dedicated to the Day of Russian Entrepreneurship. The meeting was also attended by representatives of the regional business community, including the involvement of entrepreneurs from municipalities.
"Congratulations on this professional holiday to those who not only receive a salary, but do their job, struggle with difficulties and achieve success – it's really worth a lot. You create jobs and improve the lives of Northerners. Of course, the basis of our regional economy is large industrial and logistics projects, but there can be no full-fledged life, service, and satisfied people if there is no development of small and medium-sized businesses. It's not easy for you right now - there are a lot of additional costs, a lot of fiscal burden, but I want to say a huge thank you to your large community for overcoming all these challenges," Andrey Chibis emphasized.
He noted that despite all the difficulties, new projects related to the hospitality industry, catering, and manufacturing are emerging, and regional manufacturers are actively entering marketplaces and getting a new opportunity to realize themselves.
"Despite all the difficulties, despite the fact that we have been living under sanctions restrictions for several years, over the past 6 years we have managed to increase the gross regional product 2.3 times, it amounted to 1.7 million rubles per inhabitant. According to this indicator, the Murmansk region is in the TOP 10 in the country. Almost 10,000 jobs have already been created thanks to new projects. We try to ensure that large projects become a niche, including for small and medium-sized businesses. For example, catering, in addition to serving citizens, systematically provides meals to those who work on large projects and large construction sites. We are stimulating the topic of tourism in order to develop infrastructure, primarily for our residents. An example of this is the new airport: the first stage has opened, and there will be a second one. But there would be no reconstruction of the airport without the tourist flow, which is constantly growing. The funds from the provision of tourist services remain in the budget of small businesses, which we are actively developing," said Andrey Chibis.
He stressed that the main task of the regional government is to do everything possible to make every entrepreneur in the Murmansk Region feel protected, and announced 5 new support measures for SMEs.
So, a new product is being introduced – a targeted microloan for the purchase of a franchise. The terms of the loan are up to 3 million rubles for three years at 10.9%.
The limit on microloans for start-up entrepreneurs has been increased 3 times. Now you can get up to 3 million rubles for up to three years at a discounted rate of 10.9% to start your business.
Additional funds are allocated for the provision of professional services at a discounted price through the Murmansk Region Entrepreneurship Support Center. The region takes over most of the payment for the work of qualified lawyers and accountants for local companies.
It also introduces an opportunity for residents of the region to visit popular tourist destinations in the Kola Arctic. Such a request is often heard at meetings of the head of the region with residents of municipalities. Northerners will be able to get to know their native land better: a program of free excursions will be launched for residents and will cover up to 5,000 people.
"Our task is to do everything possible to help our small and medium-sized businesses. And we see that this work is bearing fruit. We will continue to fight for Arctic entrepreneurs to have fiscal policy breaks, and we are conducting this discussion at the highest level. I once again congratulate you on the holiday! Your energy, initiative and responsible attitude are the real foundation of our region's economy. I wish you successful implementation of all your plans, good profits and prosperity!" said the head of the region.
Despite the economic challenges, medium and small businesses in the Murmansk Region are showing positive dynamics. Since 2019, the number of entrepreneurs in the region has increased by 3.4%, and in 2026 it also continues to grow, while the number of self-employed citizens has increased 9-fold over the same time.
/ Ministry of Information Policy of the Murmansk Region /