UMNIK Grant
Support for innovative projects at an early stage: from idea to prototype. Suited to technology startups.
Practical guide
Support, niches and answers to your questions
State programmes for SMEs, a breakdown of popular fields and a quiz that will suggest the right business form.
Quiz
Which business form suits you?
5 quick questions — and you will get a recommendation for your situation.
Are you starting the business on your own or with partners?
Do you plan to hire employees in the next year?
What annual income do you expect?
Do protection of personal assets and large contracts matter to you?
Are you ready to keep records and pay insurance contributions?
Government support
What you can get government money for
Programmes for small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs. Check the current terms and amounts in up-to-date sources.
Social contract
A one-off payment to start your own business for citizens with income below the subsistence level.
Help from the employment centre
A payment when registering a sole proprietorship or LLC, available to registered unemployed citizens.
Soft loans for SMEs
Loans for small and medium businesses at reduced rates under state programmes.
Tax holidays
A 0% rate for first-time registered sole proprietors on the simplified system or a patent in certain sectors.
Support for IT projects
Grants and accelerators for digital products, software development and online services.
Niches
A look at popular fields
Pros, cons and investment levels — so you can choose with your eyes open.
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Coffee shop and food service
Pros
A clear model, high footfall, repeat purchases and a loyal audience.
Cons
High investment, rent, staff, sanitary requirements and heavy competition.
Start-up
From 1.5 M ₽ with premises and equipment; a takeaway coffee format costs less.
📦
Marketplaces
Pros
A ready flow of customers; you don't need your own website or a rented warehouse.
Cons
Platform commissions, tough price competition and dependence on ratings.
Start-up
From 100,000 ₽ for inventory; you can start with dropshipping.
🧑💻
Services and freelancing
Pros
Minimal investment, a quick start and the option to combine it with a job.
Cons
Income depends on you, it's hard to scale and you need clients.
Start-up
Practically from 0 ₽ — a skill and self-employed status are enough.
🌐
Online store
Pros
Open around the clock, not tied to a location and easy to automate.
Cons
Expensive advertising, logistics, returns and high competition.
Start-up
From 50,000 ₽ for goods, a website and advertising; a ready-made builder is cheaper.
🛠️
Custom manufacturing
Pros
Higher margins, a unique product and less direct competition.
Cons
Equipment and raw materials, a long cycle, and you need craftspeople and sales channels.
Start-up
From 300,000 ₽ for equipment; you can start with handmade work.
📚
Education and consulting
Pros
High margins, minimal investment and steady demand.
Cons
You need expertise and a reputation; it's hard to sell without results.
Start-up
From 0 ₽ — knowledge, a camera and a platform for webinars are enough.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
It varies. Many services can be started with 0–30,000 ₽ (tools, advertising). Retail, cafés and manufacturing require hundreds of thousands. The key is to calculate your break-even point and not invest your last money.
Yes. Self-employment and sole proprietorship do not prohibit working under an employment contract. The exception is public service and some positions. Check your employment contract for restrictions.
If you work alone, earn up to 2.4 M ₽ a year and don't need employees, start with self-employment: it's simpler and cheaper. When you need to hire people or your turnover grows, register a sole proprietorship.
For payments from individuals — yes, with some exceptions. The self-employed don't need one: receipts are generated in the “My Tax” app. There are relaxations for sole proprietors on a patent.
For a sole proprietor — yes, they are liable with all their assets. For an LLC member the risk is limited to the contribution to the charter capital. That is why an LLC is often chosen for risky projects with partners.
For services with a high profit margin, the 6% simplified “income” system is more advantageous. If expenses are high (retail, manufacturing) — the 15% simplified “income minus expenses” system or a patent. Calculate both options in the calculator.
Contact a “My Business” centre, an employment centre or social protection — they will tell you about the programmes available in your region. A social contract and the subsidy for the unemployed require the relevant status.
Contact
Ask a question
Not sure which form to choose or how to prepare the documents? Write to us.
We'll help you figure it out
We answer questions about registration, taxes and government support. We usually reply within one business day.
- ✉️Email hello@businessstart.example
- 💬Form fill in the fields on the right
- 🕒Office hours Mon–Fri, 10:00–19:00
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