"Own Business" in the Nizhny Novgorod Region: business, authorities, and sports united to support special operation participants

      The headquarters of public support held the grand opening of the new federal educational project "SVOy Business." The program is aimed at participants in the special military operation and their family members who wish to become entrepreneurs.

      "In the Nizhny Novgorod region, various programs successfully support veterans and SVO participants. Among them, projects that help develop professional skills and competencies occupy an important place. 'SVOy Business' provides an opportunity to start your own business. This project is not just training. It is a chance for our heroes to find themselves in peacetime, realize their potential, and build a successful future. Small and medium-sized businesses play a significant role in economic development. We would be glad if SVO participants, after completing the training, start a new chapter in their lives," said Olga Shchetinina, Russian senator, coordinator of the party project "Women's Movement" in the Nizhny Novgorod region.

      During the program, participants will learn not only about the nuances of entrepreneurial activity but also about practical issues related to obtaining financing and other support measures.

      "It is important for us that the program participants do not just listen to a set of lectures on business topics but gain relevant knowledge and acquire skills that will truly help them start their own business, realize their dreams, and find a new life direction. We strive to immerse ourselves fully in each project and help participants move forward step by step. Some only need consultations, while others need to go through the process of business plan development, market identification, and finding funding. An important tool here is the digital platform MSP.RF — it allows online access to necessary information on legal and tax issues, property, and finances, as well as help in finding clients and partners," said Alexander Isaevich, General Director of MSP Corporation.

      The five-day intensive will be held in Nizhny Novgorod from July 21 to 25. Twenty-four Nizhny Novgorod residents will participate in the training program.

      "The party and the legislative assembly's deputies have been involved from the first days of the special military operation in providing assistance to internally displaced persons from the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics. Various support programs for SVO participants and their families have been launched in the region. The project launched today is yet another step to help fighters actively reintegrate into peacetime life," emphasized Alexey Antonov, Deputy Chairman of the Nizhny Novgorod Legislative Assembly and head of the United Russia faction in the assembly.

      Nizhny Novgorod region is a leader in the country in integrating people with disabilities into society. This leading position is also reflected in the "SVOy Business" project, where the region became the first to include inclusive sports among priority topics. Issues relevant to people with disabilities will be discussed during the intensive session. The speaker for this module is Roman Kedr, head of the Autonomous Non-Profit Organization "Center for Inclusive Technologies in Improving Quality of Life for People with Disabilities 'Without Limits'." Active lifestyles and sports are main focuses of this module. Sports projects will help accelerate the adaptation of SVO veterans to civilian life and increase personal effectiveness.

      Participants of "SVOy Business," under the guidance of mentors and experts, will go from idea to project launch. The training program covers all key aspects of running a business — from developing a business plan to tax accounting. Participants will also be introduced to existing support measures for entrepreneurs in the Nizhny Novgorod region.

      "It is a great honor that Nizhny Novgorod region is among those implementing the 'SVOy Business' project. We conducted significant preparatory work to launch the intensive on our territory. The program involves: the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Entrepreneurship of Nizhny Novgorod; the 'My Business' Center; KUPNO; the 'Catering Organization Directorate' Municipal Budgetary Institution; representatives of the banking sector. Top professionals in their fields have been invited as teachers and experts. It is important to note that successful local entrepreneurs will work with the participants," said Olga Nikitina, regional coordinator of the federal party project "Entrepreneurship."

      The federal educational project "SVOy Business" was launched by the United Russia party in partnership with MSP Corporation and the All-Russian public organization of small and medium-sized enterprises "Opora Russia."

      "The project aims to develop entrepreneurial thinking among SVO participants and their families. As we know, entrepreneurship involves risks and responsibilities. Our public organization brings together active entrepreneurs, and in this project, our branch offers practical support: business visits to enterprises and mentorship from professionals across various fields for participants who have decided to start their own business," said Irina Sadovnikova, Chairperson of the Nizhny Novgorod branch of "Opora Russia."

      Training modules of the intensive program include lectures, workshops, business analyses, and consultations.

      "The 'SVOy Business' project launched today in Nizhny Novgorod is not just about fulfilling the Russian President’s directive to integrate veterans into civilian life but provides real assistance to former defenders of the Motherland and their families who want to engage in entrepreneurship. These people have already proven their dedication to Russia on the battlefield, and now they seek to be useful in new ventures. My colleague from North Ossetia has completed the courses and highly appreciated the knowledge gained. I am confident that with their energy and responsibility, participants will become effective entrepreneurs and sought-after managers, contributing to the country’s and its citizens’ prosperity," said SVO veteran, Nizhny Novgorod City Duma chairman, and member of the United Russia party’s General Council Evgeny Chintsov.

      One of the participants in "SVOy Business" in Nizhny Novgorod is Artyom Sazonov. He served in the special military operation from 2022 to 2024 as a driver, UAV operator, and instructor. Currently, he is undergoing rehabilitation after a serious injury. Before the SVO, Artyom successfully engaged in business — wholesale and retail trade.

      "I joined the program with a new idea. I want to try my hand at agriculture, specifically fish farming. I plan to organize production on my own plot, which I am supposed to receive in early October as a participant in the special operation. I have high hopes for this intensive. I believe I will gain new important knowledge and contacts to implement my plan," shared SVO participant and Nizhny Novgorod entrepreneur Artyom Sazonov.

      Banking sector representatives have prepared comprehensive solutions to facilitate the maximum comfortable and accessible startup for participants. They will receive professional support for their projects — opening individual entrepreneurs (IE), accounting, legal consultations, and other free services.

      The goal of the "SVOy Business" project is to adapt SVO participants, veterans of combat missions, and their families to civilian life, develop entrepreneurial competencies, and unlock the potential for starting their own business.

      In the initial months of the program, 149 veterans from 7 regions of Russia — Ryazan, the Republic of Tatarstan, North Ossetia-Alania, Dagestan, Chechnya, Primorsky Krai — have completed training. The project’s geography continues to expand and is expected to reach more than 30 regions of Russia by the end of 2025.

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