A Nizhny Novgorod woman shared how she turned toy sewing into a successful business.

      May 24, 2026 12:00 Economy Resident of Semyonov, Nadezhda Yezhova, signed a social contract and received 350,000 rubles for the development of individual entrepreneurial activity. Thanks to government support within the framework of the national project "Family," she was able to turn doll-making from a hobby into a stable business in less than a year. According to Nadezhda, she has been sewing toys for over ten years, but for a long time, it was a "soulful" activity. The woman raises a disabled child alone, so it was difficult for her to work outside the home. Last year, she decided to set up a home sewing workshop and learned about the opportunity to receive support through a social contract. In April, she approached the local social protection authority with a business plan. The project was approved, and with the allocated funds, the entrepreneur purchased sewing equipment, fabrics and materials, photo equipment for product shooting, as well as a laptop and printer to access marketplaces. Now, Nadezhda combines caring for her son with developing her business. The number of orders is gradually increasing, especially during holiday periods. For example, before the New Year, she completed about 150 orders. In the future, the entrepreneur plans to expand her sales markets. The Ministry of Social Development and Family Policy of the Nizhny Novgorod Region reminded that in the region, a social contract can be signed in several areas: for individual entrepreneurial activity, development of personal subsidiary farming, assistance in employment, or due to difficult life situations. With the help of this mechanism, thousands of residents of the region are starting or expanding their own businesses. Since 2026, a separate type of social contract has been introduced for demobilized veterans of combat operations who participated in the special military operation (SMO) and have the status of unemployed or job seekers. For SMO participants with disabilities of the I or II group, a special procedure is provided: the right to receive assistance can be realized by the serviceman himself or his unemployed spouse. This measure is provided regardless of income. In 2026, it is planned to conclude more than 4,600 social contracts in the region. Since the beginning of the current year, about two thousand have already been formalized. The most in-demand area remains the development of individual entrepreneurial activity. Social contracts can be signed by low-income families or individuals living alone who find themselves in a difficult life situation and have a per capita income below the established minimum living wage in the region. The decision is made by a commission. Priority is given to citizens with successful business experience, as well as large families and families of SMO participants. Applications can be submitted to the local social protection authority or remotely through the "Gosuslugi" portal. More details about the support measure can be found on the website of the Ministry of Social Development and Family Policy of the Nizhny Novgorod Region. It was previously reported that the Nizhny Novgorod Region is a leader in the number of large families covered by social contracts. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on major events, exclusive materials, and timely information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod". When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is required. This resource may contain materials 18+.