In conditions of economic instability and high competition, small business in Russia is faced with the need to adapt to new realities at lightning speed. The Delo Speaks program reveals how entrepreneurs survive and grow in 2025 using new approaches and technologies.
Today, more than 6.4 million entrepreneurs are actively working in the country. They provide up to 60% of employment in large cities. By the end of 2024, the total revenue of the small and medium-sized business sector exceeded 29 trillion rubles, an increase of 15% compared to the previous year. Despite the difficult conditions — surging rental rates, rising procurement costs, and staff shortages — entrepreneurs are not giving up. Almost a quarter of companies are expanding their operations, and the majority are retaining their current positions.
Online sales and marketplaces have become important channels, but they no longer seem ideal for beginners. Strong competition and rising costs are forcing businessmen to look for more sustainable models. According to Egor Rannev, head of small business development, today it is important for an entrepreneur not only to have a product, but also to be able to manage it competently — to analyze sales, optimize logistics and interact with the client.
New tools are becoming crucial. Fast revolving loans, automated analytics and management services, and convenient online sales tools all help businesses stay afloat. In conditions of a high key interest rate, speed and ease of access to finance, including leasing and factoring, becomes an important factor.
A separate focus is on marketing. Advertising costs are rising, and familiar sites are shrinking. The business is looking for new ways to attract customers, including cashback platforms and integration into ecosystems.
Today's entrepreneur is often young people, women, and the self—employed. They lack staff, but they have flexibility, creativity, and a desire to build a business in a new environment. Franchising is actively developing, having increased by 18% in a year. The main condition for success is competent management of the business model and readiness for constant changes.
