Russian businesses are finding ways to grow despite difficulties
Growth of regional entrepreneurship
Whereas business development in Russia used to be primarily concentrated in Moscow and St. Petersburg, today there is a clear trend towards expanding entrepreneurial activity in the regions. While large cities still account for a significant share of enterprises, digitalization is helping regional companies reach the federal level and overcome geographic barriers.
As Nikita Tsoi, Head of Sales at YooKassa, notes, modern payment and logistics services are breaking down the boundaries between metropolitan centers and smaller towns. Now, entrepreneurs from Krasnodar, Yekaterinburg, and other cities can successfully compete with nationwide players, access a wide audience, and accept payments from all over the country. This fundamental shift is contributing to the formation of a unified digital market and creating new opportunities for regional economies.
Overcoming challenges as a source of growth
Russian entrepreneurs view existing challenges realistically: almost half of those surveyed consider economic and geopolitical risks to be the main problem, 42% point to declining demand, and 39% cite legislative changes. More than a third face a shortage of qualified staff and rising labor costs, while 30% mention financial difficulties and limited access to credit. Administrative barriers are cited as an obstacle by 20% of respondents, and additional challenges mentioned include lack of time, knowledge, and psychological concerns.
Nevertheless, most entrepreneurs remain optimistic and intend to grow their businesses, investing in the future of their companies. Their determination is supported by the rapid adoption of technological solutions, process automation, market expansion, and effective financial management.
Sources of inspiration and future outlook
When looking for role models, Russian entrepreneurs most often turn to domestic figures such as Pavel Durov and Sergey Galitsky, while the successes of foreign visionaries inspire a quarter of respondents. Nearly a third rely exclusively on internal motivation.
Over half of those surveyed believe entrepreneurship is challenging and see it as a mission, while more than a quarter are convinced that business prospects exist not only in the capitals but also in Russia’s regions.
The survey was conducted by YooKassa in August 2025 and included representatives from over 500 companies across 150 Russian cities. Among the respondents, 72% were men and 28% women.