Perspective directions for the development of the business environment in the region

The article discusses the features of the macro-environment development of small and medium- sized business (SMEs) in the region. The study is based on the understanding of entrepreneurship as an independent process of organizing financial and economic activities. The factors of sustainable development of small and medium-sized business that must be taken into account when studying any region of the Russian Federation are identified: the economic and geographical position of the region, state and regional support for small and medium-sized businesses, labor resources, demand and markets, territorial tax benefits, administrative barriers. Based on them, this article analyzes the measures of state and regional support for small and medium- sized businesses. The relationship between the tools to support the business environment and the dynamics of development and exit from the shadow and legalization of the activities of business entities is characterized. The most effective instruments of institutional support and ways to improve the institutional environment for SMEs both in Russia and in the Volgograd region in particular have been identified. The author ’s approach to the provision of measures of state financial support to business entities within the region is presented. The article substantiates the need for a mechanism for zoning state measures. It is advisable to apply the ranking of the measures of state financial support provided, depending on the priority of the activities of SMEs and on the territorial location of the place of doing business.