The Murmansk Region is actively developing the industrial sector, including large 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 developing the city's economy, paying great attention to small and medium-sized businesses.

During an operational meeting, Murmansk Region Governor Andrei Chibis said that the number of small and medium-sized businesses in the region as of January 2025 was more than 26 thousand units (26,202), and the number of self-employed citizens was more than 37 thousand people (37,850).

An increase in both indicators was also recorded. It is especially worth noting that the growth in the number of self-employed people over the past year 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 volumes. 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 Living in the North plan; from 2020 to 2024, 164 projects were supported under it for about 184 million rubles," the head of the region noted.

There are also other support measures in the Murmansk Region. For example, grants are provided for franchises. 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. Entrepreneurship and cluster development support centers conduct seminars and master classes, helping small and medium businesses grow and develop.

In this way, the region balances its focus on both large industrial projects and support for the urban economy, creating a sustainable and multifunctional economic environment.

/ Ministry of Information Policy of the Murmansk Region /

https://gov-murman.ru/info/news/540442/