During a recent meeting with Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak emphasized the resilience and growth of the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector despite external pressures and difficult market conditions. As of now, the number of SMEs in Russia has reached 7 million, employing over 19 million individuals. Notably, there has been a registration of 1.5 million new legal entities and individual entrepreneurs, marking a 4.2% increase compared to the same period last year. The government has actively supported SMEs, with over 5 million entrepreneurs receiving assistance through a national project aimed at fostering SME growth. Furthermore, to tackle the issue of delayed payments from larger companies, a special task force has facilitated the repayment of approximately 60% of disputed debts owed to small businesses out of court. Novak highlighted the importance of providing targeted support measures that align with current economic challenges, ensuring ongoing dialogue with entrepreneurs to adapt these measures as needed. This proactive approach positions SMEs as a vital driver of structural changes within the Russian economy.