The Government will allocate 3.5 billion rubles to support SMEs in single-industry towns and special economic zones.

The Russian government will allocate 3.5 billion rubles to continue the program to support small and medium-sized businesses in single-industry towns and special economic zones.

The corresponding order was signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. The funds will be allocated to the SME Corporation from the Government’s reserve fund. The funding is intended to cover the program’s implementation until 2030.

“The program allows entrepreneurs in single-industry towns and special economic zones to attract preferential financing for investment projects. The allocation of 3.5 billion rubles will continue this support mechanism until 2030 and provide businesses with access to financing on preferential terms,” ​​noted Maxim Reshetnikov.

The SME Corporation clarified that the program has been in effect since the end of 2025. The funds will be invested in the capital of its subsidiary, SME Bank, which provides entrepreneurs with preferential loans. Entrepreneurs in single-industry towns can receive investment loans of up to 200 million rubles at a 6% annual interest rate for terms of up to five years. Working capital loans of up to 50 million rubles at a 10% annual interest rate for terms of up to three years are available. Businesses in special economic zones are eligible for preferential lending for investment purposes. The program covers 24 single-industry towns in 16 regions and 33 special economic zones. It includes single-industry towns with registered unemployment rates twice the national average for three consecutive years, as well as areas with a high risk of rising unemployment and layoffs.

Financing is provided by repayments from previously issued loans under the single-industry town support program, which has been operated by VEB.RF Corporation since 2014. Repaid funds are transferred to the federal budget and reused for business support.

You can apply for a preferential loan through the SME.RF digital platform. Lending is carried out through MSP Bank.