Graduates of the "SVOy Business" project were awarded in Nizhny Novgorod.

      Veterans of special operations and their family members from the Nizhny Novgorod region who plan to start their own business have graduated from the federal project "SVOy Business," organized by the SME Corporation, the business association Opora Russia, and United Russia. During the educational intensive, participants studied issues related to business registration, business plan development, as well as tax, financial, and legal aspects of entrepreneurship. Upon completing the program, participants will be able to apply the acquired knowledge in practice. Mentors from the project will continue to support them in this. "Participants gained valuable theoretical knowledge and practical advice from current entrepreneurs. The business projects we reviewed at the end of the program are very diverse and interesting. We continue to stay in touch with the participants for further mentorship," commented Irina Sadovnikova, chairwoman of the Nizhny Novgorod regional branch of Opora Russia. The "SVOy Business" project has already been implemented in 11 regions across the country. Over 230 veterans of special operations and their family members have participated in it so far. "It is important to support our veterans of special operations and their family members in their endeavors to create businesses that benefit people. In each region, we see projects that primarily focus on people—from bakeries and farms to small hotels and kindergartens. Of course, the issue of funding, premises rent, and markets for sale often arises. After the in-person phase of the project, we stay in touch with all the participants and assist with any issues that arise. On our SME platform, MSP.RF, participants can also access various services and support measures, including special financial programs for SVO participants," said Alexander Izaevich, General Director of the SME Corporation. For veterans of special operations, a joint guarantee with regional guarantee organizations and the SME Corporation has been launched, covering up to 90%. It is provided as collateral for loans up to 5 million rubles in state microfinance organizations and for credits up to 50 million rubles in partner banks. A total of 23 participants from the project completed the intensive in Nizhny Novgorod. Prior to SVO, Maksim Mardarovsky served as a regular officer in the Northern Fleet and enjoyed creating leather products in his free time. His love for crafting something special with his hands and his desire to build his own business based on this passion led him to participate in "SVOy Business." "I am taking part in this project to realize my idea of creating a business, and this week of intensive training gave me limitless confidence in implementing my project, unique knowledge, and great connections with wonderful people. Soon, I plan to organize a leather workshop called Mar. M," he shared. "People learn easily and enjoyably when they know exactly why they need it—when they understand what they will gain from the acquired knowledge and how soon it will help them achieve their goal. In this regard, 'SVOy Business' is a find for veterans of SVO and their families, who need to make the most of their time in search of a new professional path, gaining a solid foundation of knowledge and practical skills to start their own business. It is also very valuable that the project involves ongoing support from mentors after the training. With such support, it is no longer scary to try one’s hand at entrepreneurship. I am very happy for the residents of Nizhny Novgorod who completed this course and grateful to the organizers for implementing this initiative," noted an SVO veteran and the chairman of the Nizhny Novgorod City Duma, Evgeny Chintsov.