Problem interview as a tool for selecting a business idea for an entrepreneurial project

The article examines the peculiarities of forming the entrepreneurial environment in the Russian Federation, analyzes the key indicators of business demography, as well as the factors that limit opportunities for the development of Russian entrepreneurship. One of the key reasons for exiting business in the Russian Federation is a low level of profitability of enterprises. The unsatisfactory results of this indicator are a consequence of a distorted assessment of the commercial potential of the project at the early stages of its life cycle, which subsequently leads to the creation of uncompetitive products or services. In order to mitigate this risk, it is necessary to verify business ideas. The paper considers the features of the methodology of consumer development, allowing to verify the customer segment and test the business model. The features of the preparing and conducting a problem interview as a tool for the development of an entrepreneurial project are revealed.