At the annual final press conference, Governor Andrey Chibis announced the start of accepting applications for the Governor's Start grant competition. The program, aimed at supporting small and medium-sized businesses, remains the most sought-after measure among regional entrepreneurs.
"This year, as part of the Governor's Start program, we will provide an opportunity to send a grant for the purchase of a franchise," the governor emphasized. "The competition will be announced next week, starting on January 26."
The competitive selection starts on January 26 and will last until February 25 inclusive. Applications can be submitted by individual entrepreneurs, legal entities and self-employed Northerners, as well as individuals who only dream of starting their own business. The total amount of support under the competition in 2026 will amount to 50 million rubles. The maximum grant amount that an applicant can apply for is 2 million rubles (for certain priority categories).
In 2026, the funds from the Governor's Start grant can be used for the first time to purchase a franchise and pay for expenses related to innovation activities. In addition, the list of priority categories has been expanded to include projects from the tourism industry, projects aimed at increasing the birth rate and population of the Murmansk Region, and the development of regional brands.
The Murmansk Regional Innovative Business Incubator is traditionally the operator of the Governor's Start contest. In early February, MRIBI specialists will traditionally hold a free webinar for entrepreneurs. They will tell them about the conditions for obtaining a grant and submitting an application, the specifics of competitive selection, and will also give recommendations on preparing a project implementation plan.
The Governor's Start program is being implemented as part of the strategic plan "Live in the North!" Over six years, more than 190 entrepreneurs have received support under the program in the amount of about 232 million rubles.
/ Ministry of Tourism and Entrepreneurship of the Murmansk Region /