On the one hand, the state gives its citizens the opportunity to freely engage in entrepreneurial activity, but how much is this really? Is free enterprise a reality or a myth?
What is in the law?
The Constitution states that the possibility of free enterprise is one of the freedoms that a democratic state provides for a person .
Translated from bureaucratic into ordinary language, this means that each of us has every right to use our capabilities, abilities, financial and property resources in order to engage in entrepreneurial activity and make a profit. It is only important that this activity be within the law. Also, each person has the full right to dispose at his own request the profit that was received as a result of entrepreneurship.
For its part, the state takes upon itself the obligation to protect this freedom by suppressing the possibility of creating monopolies, as well as unfair competition. In other words, freedom of private enterprise is protected by the Constitution.
State support in 2015
The whole history of the existence of small business in Russia has led to the creation of a number of stereotypes about this. One of the most popular is the idea that small and medium enterprises are experiencing difficulties, especially from a financial point of view. This is due to the fact that people starting to work their way in the business are left to their own devices and no one else is interested in them.
It seems that nothing has changed over the past two decades, but it is not. Not only the economy, but also the policy of the state has changed. Support for entrepreneurs was made one of the key areas in the economic policy of the Russian Federation. After all, freedom of enterprise is the key to economic development and prosperity. For this, several programs have been launched.
Before embarking on the implementation of the plans, it makes sense for the young entrepreneur to carefully read them, as they can provide not only a good start to the project, but also its continued successful existence.
Small Business Support: System
The document that regulates the issues related to state support is Federal Law No. 209. In addition to it, other regulatory documents have been developed both at the regional and local levels.
Each of the programs is distinguished by a budget, a period of validity and specific features.
The system also includes other institutions that can be called contractors. These are public organizations and banks, business schools, investment and venture funds. The task of these organizations is to fulfill the role of intermediaries between the state and representatives of the business environment. Work is underway to make the interaction process as simple and transparent as possible. All this gives hope that support will become more and more affordable.
What can small and medium enterprises expect?
Any registered company, both in the form of IP, and in the form of LLC, has the right to apply for a subsidy. An important condition - the company at the time of treatment must exist for at least two years. The amount of assistance depends on many factors, including the region. The maximum for the region is 300,000 rubles, for the capital of our country - 500,000 rubles.
The next condition is co-financing. This means that the entrepreneur’s own funds should also be invested in his enterprise, and not just state ones.
Also, financial assistance is targeted, for all expenses you have to provide reporting. Indeed, the freedom of enterprise is not only freedom, but also responsibility. The specifics of providing assistance in each region are different, so you need to carefully study the conditions of regional programs.
Can an employment service help?
Can. For persons who have passed the registration procedure at the labor exchange, it is possible to receive material assistance on free terms so that a person can open his own business. Of course, for this you will have to go through a number of procedures. One of the most important actions is to write and protect your business plan. The amount will, of course, be small, but it is quite suitable for a start.
The exchange will require a report on the spent funds, as well as set conditions for hiring personnel from among those who are also registered as unemployed.
Guarantee Funds and Education
In most cases, starting a business requires borrowing. It is logical that it is difficult to get loans for such projects, since the risk is too great. Here guarantee funds managed by the Ministry of Economic Development come to the rescue.
In addition to money, a future entrepreneur needs knowledge. And the cost of education is also extremely high. The state has taken care of this, you can get the necessary information and learn for free.
Free enterprise is not a myth. The state provides opportunities and provides support to novice businessmen.