Nizhny Novgorod's Social Contracts Fuel a Surge in Local Entrepreneurship

A growing number of residents in Nizhny Novgorod Oblast have taken part in entrepreneurship training to qualify for social contracts. These contracts offer financial support of up to 3.5 million rubles to help people start their own businesses. The initiative is part of the Family national project, launched under the directive of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The training programme, now in its second year, is organised by the regional My Business centre. In 2025, over 60 prospective recipients completed the course, marking a 36% increase from the previous year.

The programme consists of eight modules, covering key business skills. Participants must pass a final exam to earn a certificate, which they can then include in their application for a social contract. To qualify, applicants must also submit a detailed business plan and pass an entrepreneurial competencies test. For inquiries, the My Business centre provides a dedicated hotline at 8 (800) 301-29-94.

The rise in trainees suggests growing interest in the programme. Successful applicants will receive financial backing to launch their businesses. The initiative continues to expand as part of broader efforts to support entrepreneurship in the region.