Supporting small and medium-sized enterprises: guarantee funds activity in regions of Russia

In the course of the research, we respond to the literary calls for a more empirical studying of the important issue of supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in Russia based on the loan guarantees system. The research is aimed at evaluating the indicators describing the guarantee funds activity in regions of Russia for supporting small and medium-sized enterprises. In the process of studying, the official statistical data on the number and amount of loans, issued under surety of guarantee funds in all regions of Russia in 2018, were used. The following relative indicators were considered in the study: the number of guaranteed loans per 1000 small and medium-sized enterprises, the average value of one loan, and the amount of guaranteed loans per 1 small or medium-sized enterprise. During the research studies, the specified indicators for all regions of our country were evaluated; their average value and variation interval, typical for most regions, were determined; regions with high and low levels of the indicators were identified. The obtained results are of theoretical and practical importance. The proposed methodological approach and method can be used in scientific research on entrepreneurship. The results of the work can be applied in the current activities of state structures and public organizations when solving issues on providing support for entrepreneurs. The simulation results can be used to set the needs for assistance for entrepreneurs in the regions, where the business sector is not developed.