From the history of small and medium-sized business in the Voronezh region

The article studies the development of some crafts on production of industrial and agricultural products on the territory of the Voronezh region in the 17th - the first half of the 19th century. The problem of development of this sphere during the given period, unlike a post-reform period, is low-studied. Cottage crafts as a factor of formation of an enterprise layer are rather poorly reflected in literature. The basis of the present article is represented by unpublished earlier archival materials. The subject is relevant up to date in the light of discussions about the role of entrepreneurship in the course of modernization and diversification of economy in modern Russia. The article discovered what representatives of social groups were actively engaged in these or those types of small-scale production. The measures of state support to small business are also considered. It is revealed that the main obstacle for development of crafts among peasants during the considered period was the serfdom. Typical handicraft works features were marked out. A number of problems which were solved by means of businessmen- handicraftsmen activity were defined. The study allowed to make conclusion that small and average business played a progressive role in economy of the Voronezh region. The analysis of historical experience is conducted in the conclusion, and the parallels with the modern age are also drawn.