New business training helps SMO veterans launch civilian careers in Russia

A new business training programme for participants in the special military operation (SMO) has launched in Lyskov. The first seminar, part of the Your Own Business project, brought together around 40 SMO members and local officials. Organisers say the initiative helps veterans and their families start or grow businesses after returning to civilian life. The event in Lyskov marked the start of a nine-month project run by United Russia’s Entrepreneurship initiative. Over 30 regions and nearly 700 partners—including business leaders, mentors, and public groups—have joined the effort. Representatives from 12 nearby municipalities attended the seminar.

Sessions covered five main topics: success stories, resource support, digital tools, business opportunities for SMO participants, and government aid. One attendee, SMO participant Alexander Podstreshny, said the seminar provided useful details he could share with fellow veterans. Roman Daranov, deputy head of the Bolshesurashkinsky district administration, stressed the importance of such events for helping SMO members reintegrate. The programme has already seen results: financial specialist Alexander Afanasyev used its training to launch a laser rust-removal business. Earlier this year, *Your Own Business* also won third place in the *Heroes of Our Time* category at the international *We Are Together* awards.

The Your Own Business project will continue supporting SMO participants and their families through training and mentorship. Local officials and business partners plan to expand the programme’s reach across more regions. The initiative aims to create long-term economic opportunities for veterans transitioning back to civilian work.