New horizons: graduates of the "SVOy Business" project in the Nizhny Novgorod region received certificates

      The five-day educational intensive was completed in the Nizhny Novgorod region. Twenty-three residents of Nizhny Novgorod participated in the project. The program is aimed at supporting participants of the special military operation (SMO) and their family members. Nizhny Novgorod became the 10th region to host the nationwide modular training course.

      "Within the first months of implementing the 'SMO Business' program, 230 veterans from 11 regions of Russia have already completed training. The program's geography is continuously expanding and will reach more than 40 regions by the end of 2025. Through the 'SMO Business' project, we are working with partners to create new opportunities for the veterans involved in the special operation and their families to start their own businesses. Given our extensive partner network, even more veterans will have access to professional support," commented Svetlana Gilyarovskaya, Secretary of the Public Council of the party project 'Entrepreneurship' and Deputy Executive Director of 'Opora Russia'.

      The course covered all aspects of organizing and managing a business. Participants thoroughly examined each stage: from formulating an idea and developing a business plan to preparing reports, accounting, and legal business nuances.

      "I am confident that each participant has made new connections, enhanced their theoretical knowledge, and learned from successful entrepreneurs. I hope that the knowledge gained by aspiring entrepreneurs through the 'SMO Business' project will significantly simplify the implementation of their ideas. Each presented project holds high potential and will make a meaningful contribution to our region's development," emphasized Dmitry Filippenko, Regional Executive Committee Head of the 'United Russia' Party in Nizhny Novgorod.

      A dedicated part of the theoretical course focused on government support measures for small and medium-sized businesses at both federal and regional levels.

      "It is important to support our veterans of the special operation and their families in their efforts to create businesses that benefit people. In every region, we see projects that primarily serve people—from bakeries and farms to small hotels and kindergartens. Naturally, issues such as funding, premises, and markets for sales arise. After the in-person phase of the project, we remain in contact with all participants and assist in resolving emerging questions. On our platform MSP.rf, participants can also access various services and support measures, including special financial programs for SMO participants," said Alexander Isayevich, General Director of the SME Corporation.

      The projects of 'SMO Business' participants spanned a wide range of sectors. SMO veteran Artyom Sazonov came to training with the idea of launching his own fish farming business. Karina Al-Tabakhi, a mother of nine, aims to develop an existing business. She works in the healthcare-related field. Her oldest son is serving in the zone of the special military operation.

      "The 'SMO Business' program in Nizhny Novgorod has concluded, and we can confidently say it provided a powerful boost for those who decided to embark on an entrepreneurial path. During these days, participants gained practical knowledge and defended their own business projects. It is important to note that behind each project is a personal story and a desire to create value for people. We will continue to support the participants because 'SMO Business' does not end with the certificate handover—it only begins," stated Olga Nikitina, Regional Coordinator of the federal party project 'Entrepreneurship'.

      The core of the training program was its strong practical component. With the support of the SME Corporation and 'Opora Russia,' leading Nizhny Novgorod entrepreneurs joined the course. Participants visited real small and medium-sized enterprises. Business owners shared their professional experiences, discussed obstacles faced, and how they managed to solve problems. According to participants of 'SMO Business,' direct contact with experienced entrepreneurs helps effectively overcome personal doubts and fears.

      "Participants received valuable theoretical knowledge and practical advice from active entrepreneurs. The business projects presented at the end of the program were diverse and interesting. We continue to stay in touch with the participants for further mentorship," said Irina Sadovnikova, Chair of the Nizhny Novgorod branch of 'Opora Russia.'

      The federal educational project 'SMO Business' was launched by the 'United Russia' party in cooperation with the SME Corporation and the All-Russian Public Organization of Small and Medium Enterprises 'Opora Russia.'

      "Learning is easier and more enjoyable when you know exactly why you need it. When you understand what you will gain from the acquired knowledge and how soon it will help you achieve your goal. In this regard, the 'SMO Business' project is a find for veterans of the SMO and their families. It is crucial for them not to miss the chance to explore new professional paths and gain solid knowledge and practical skills to start their own business. It is also very valuable that the project includes ongoing support from mentors after training ends. With such support, trying one’s hand at entrepreneurship becomes less daunting. I am very happy for the Nizhny Novgorod residents who have completed this course and grateful to my colleagues from 'United Russia,' 'Opora Russia,' and the SME Corporation for implementing this initiative," said a veteran of the SMO, Evgeny Chintsov, Chairman of the Nizhny Novgorod City Duma and Member of the Party's General Council.

      The closing ceremony of the nationwide educational project 'SMO Business' in Nizhny Novgorod featured the presentation of certificates. Congratulations were given by Dmitry Filippenko, Head of the Regional Executive Committee of the 'United Russia' Party in Nizhny Novgorod; Yulia Zhdan, Deputy General Director of AO 'SME Corporation'; Denis Korablyov, Deputy Manager for Small and Medium Business at the Privolzhsky Branch of PJSC 'Bank PSB'; and Andrey Merkulov, Sales Management Director for the region at Sberbank.

      The goal of the 'SMO Business' project is to help SMO participants, veterans of combat operations, and their families adapt to civilian life, develop entrepreneurial skills, and unlock the potential for launching their own businesses.

      Recall that supporting SMO participants and their families is a priority for the party and one of the main points of the national 'United Russia' program. This initiative underscores the party’s unwavering commitment to providing comprehensive assistance to those defending the interests of the country.

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