The problem of reducing the number of small and medium-sized businesses rose at a press conference in Viciebsk. The event was initiated by the Association of Employers and Entrepreneurs of Viciebsk region Viciebsk and a business center. Participation took representatives of the Viciebsk city executive committee.

According to the National Statistics Committee, in 2015 the number of small and medium enterprises in Belarus was lower than in 2014, by almost 6%. The number of private entrepreneurs in the same period decreased by more than 8 thousand. In the spring of 2016 has about 3 thousand IP ceased operations. All-Republican trend was in the Viciebsk region.

Julia Medvedev, head of the department of foreign trade and economy department of the Viciebsk city executive committee of business, noted that conditions are not very favorable for business, governments seek to promote the development of the private sector. The State Program "Small and medium enterprises in the Republic of Belarus" on 2016 – 2020 years. In August, the theme of development of business considered at a special meeting of the executive committee. In 2016 we set specific targets for the number of small and medium-sized businesses per thousand employed in the economy. The letter and figures as to the ratio of revenue from sale of goods, works, services of private economic entities in the total revenues. For example, in Viciebsk this figure is 23% and for the Viciebsk region – 38.5%. Especially impressive are the figures for the planned Šumilina and Tałačyn districts: 77.4% and 84.4%, respectively.

Businessman Vasiliy Lomakin, first deputy chairman of the Viciebsk City Council for Enterprise Development, believes that the authorities should take into account the views of business decision-making. High prices for rent, numerous coordination with higher authorities, frequent changes in legislation, more onerous duties are to ensure that people go out of business.

Director of Viciebsk business center Leonid Shur described the activities of his organization, aimed primarily at deepening the knowledge of business start-ups. Trainings on financial literacy, implementation of start-up projects, assistance in the creation of a business plan and carrying out of advertising campaigns – the main directions of activity of the center. In the coming months will take place again in Viciebsk Business School. It is expected that it will visit more than a hundred people. Leonid Shur said that the center today operates without state support, and therefore significantly reduced the number of initiatives.

Nina Lukyanova, executive director of the Association of Employers and Entrepreneurs of Viciebsk region, believes that the crisis – a good time for business people. And we must first rely on themselves. The task of the business associations – improving the economic literacy of citizens, which for a long time paid attention to little.

Association recently awarded a grant of about 12 thousand dollars, beating the competition, which was conducted by the Center for International Private Enterprise (US). The project in the six round tables will be held over the coming months. In order to understand the issues raised at the end of training will be conducted with an invitation to consultants and government representatives. Formulated suggestions send to the relevant authorities.

Interestingly, the Association works council of experts, formed of experienced businessmen. Entrepreneurs and those who are going to be, they can get a free consultation.