Measures to support small and medium-sized businesses during the pandemic

At the present stage of economic development, entrepreneurship occupies an important place in the economic system of society, playing a significant role in reducing unemployment, providing new jobs, producing new goods and introducing innovative services, research and production developments. The article examines the role and importance of entrepreneurship in the development of the socio-economic system on the example of the Penza region. Small and medium-sized businesses are also analyzed as a tool for the development of the regional economy. The authors present measures to support small and medium-sized businesses during the pandemic. It is noted that the support of small and medium-sized businesses by government agencies plays a significant role in ensuring the stability of the socio-economic development of the state, increasing the flexibility of its economy to changing conditions of the external and internal environment. The activities carried out as part of the implementation of these programs are quite effective. Further implementation of measures aimed at supporting and developing small and medium-sized businesses in the conditions of the pandemic, provided for by the program of the Government of the Russian Federation, will increase the efficiency of public administration in addressing issues of socio-economic development of the country, create favorable conditions for the growth of economic potential and improve the welfare of the population of the state.