An annual meeting with representatives of small and medium-sized enterprises of the region was held in the capital of the Kola Arctic. Within the framework of the event, the head of the region awarded the winners of the "Governor's Start" competition aimed at financial support of entrepreneurial initiatives, and also talked with representatives of small and medium–sized businesses in the "question-answer" format. Entrepreneurs from different municipalities of the region also took part in the video broadcast.
At the beginning of the event, Governor Andrey Chibis welcomed the participants gathered in the hall and noted that supporting small and medium–sized businesses is one of the most important tasks of the regional government, which contributes to the integrated economic development not only of the Murmansk region, but also of the entire Arctic zone of the Russian Federation.
"A large number of applications were submitted for the competition, and it was not easy for the commission to choose the winners. At the same time, the demand for support is growing. Of course, we place special emphasis on territories with a difficult investment climate – on military garrisons and small settlements where there is a lack of service. We also pay attention to the field of tourism and catering services. There are many young entrepreneurs in the hall today who are ready to create something. This is not an easy job, because you risk a lot in it – time, money. But you are the driving force of our society, because the economy of the region is growing when the demand for goods and services of small and medium–sized businesses is growing. Our most important task is to move towards the development of large investment projects and develop the economy, despite the sanctions restrictions. Therefore, we will continue to pay increased attention to small and medium–sized businesses," the head of the region stressed.
Svetlana Panfilova, Minister of Arctic Development and Economy of the Murmansk Region, noted that the climatic conditions of the Far North create certain difficulties for business development, while entrepreneurs in the region successfully cope with various challenges and confidently implement creative projects.
"The most important thing is to listen and hear each other. Business is coming to meet us, and we, of course, adapt to it. It is traditionally more difficult for entrepreneurs who do business in the Far North than for businesses in the middle zone. At the same time, our entrepreneurs are successfully developing their business, implementing and developing new projects. Very important fundamental decisions have been made at the federal level with the support of our initiatives. The most important of them is obtaining the status of a resident of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, thanks to which, among other things, the number of small and medium–sized businesses is growing. Events such as today's meeting allow the government and business to understand the development vectors by which we could develop together and harmoniously for the benefit of the Murmansk region," said Svetlana Panfilova.
In the second part of the event, the head of the region answered the questions of the participants, who voiced their initiatives and shared proposals for the economic, cultural and social development of the region.
In particular, the entrepreneurs thanked Governor Andrey Chibis for the support that was provided to small and medium-sized businesses during the coronavirus pandemic, and noted that they continue to use the measures that are currently in effect. Svetlana Efremova, an entrepreneur from Severomorsk, expressed gratitude to the head of the region for the work carried out as part of the renovation of the BUT.
"We have six children born in the North. We have our own business and we have stability thanks to the governor's grants, which are of crucial importance to the residents of our city."
Alexandra Pupysheva, an instructor in adaptive and therapeutic physical education, asked the governor to consider the possibility of providing additional support to entrepreneurs for the purchase of expensive equipment. Especially in cases where it is a question of acquiring equipment necessary for the treatment, rehabilitation and rehabilitation of children with disabilities.
The participants of the meeting also addressed issues of staffing, the introduction of artificial intelligence into business, as well as participation in fair events.
Andrey Chibis thanked entrepreneurs for an honest, open conversation and noted that new opportunities will continue to open up, which means that there are all conditions for further growth.
"I feel energy and willingness to work further. We have fixed the systemic issues that were raised today in order to make imaginary decisions. I will also ask everyone – from government members to representatives of administrations – to respond quickly and sensitively to problems and literally solve them manually. In terms of business development, we have made very good progress – the numbers speak for themselves. Therefore, I urge you not to waste energy and remain drivers of economic growth," the head of the region summed up the meeting.
The program of the event also included a solemn ceremony of awarding entrepreneurs for their contribution to the development of the region with the Gratitude of the Governor of the Murmansk region. Awards were also presented to the winners of the Gubernatorial Start competition for the provision of financial support in the form of a grant.
According to the results of the competition, which started in February 2024, 21 projects from different municipalities of the Murmansk region were among the winners. In total, more than 180 applications were received for the competition. Within the framework of the competition, self-employed citizens, individuals, as well as representatives of small and medium-sized businesses can receive a grant for the implementation of their projects in the amount of 500 thousand to 2 million rubles.
Detailed information about the "Governor's Start" is available on the website Murmansk Regional innovative business incubator.
/ Ministry of Information Policy of the Murmansk Region /