Программа

Small Business in the Urban Economy

05 Jun , 12:00–13:30
Russian Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Forum
Investment Track
Pavilion G, Conference Hall G3

Small and medium-sized enterprises are the foundation and backbone of urban economy, generating added value, tax revenue, and new jobs. Unifying the most effective types of support for entrepreneurs such as financial and material support, access to information, consultations, services provided by the Business Navigator, and others could help grow SME sector in towns and cities. Access to information is often vital for entrepreneurs, particularly regarding:
• opportunities for business development via franchising;
• comprehensive urban construction projects;
• opportunities to become involved in procurement processes by major companies in partnership with public sector;
• training programmes, etc.
These objectives can be achieved using a one-stop shop approach, where all the tools and services are available at a single point.
What is the most effective way of boosting the SME sector in smaller towns and cities? What can be done to simplify the process of launching a standard business? Could experienced entrepreneurs with a successful track record in business development replicate their experience across smaller towns and cities via a franchising model?

Moderator
Pavel Orlov, Anchor, Russia-24 TV Channel

Panellists
Alexander Braverman, General Director, Chairman of the Board, Russian Small and Medium Business Corporation
Alexander Brechalov, Head of the Udmurt Republic
Alexey Grigoriev, General Director, METRO Cash & Carry
Irina Makieva, Deputy Chair, State Development Corporation "VEB.RF"
Ilnaz Nabiullin, Founder, Chio Chio Hairdresser Chain
Agnessa Osipova, President, Russian Franchise Association (RFA)
Marina Romanova, Deputy Chair, State Development Corporation "VEB.RF"

Front row participants
Dmitry Golovanov, Chairman of the Board, SME Bank
Rifat Shaikhutdinov, Deputy, Member of the Committee of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation on Economic Policy, Industry, Innovative Development, and Entrepreneurship
Andrey Sharov, Vice-President, Head of GR Directorate, Sberbank