Stimulating entrepreneurial activity of the working population of the region: problems and solutions (using the example of the Arkhangelsk region)

The article discusses the theoretical, methodological and practical foundations of stimulating entrepreneurial activity of the able-bodied population of the region. The author analyzes the indicators of entrepreneurial activity of the Arkhangelsk region as a typical representative of the northern regions of Russia; the problems associated with a decrease in the number of individual entrepreneurs and their transition to the status of self-employed citizens are identified. It is noted that such a transition negatively affects the quality of entrepreneurial activity in the region, which is accompanied by an increase in the number of low-skilled workers and a decrease in tax revenues to the budget. The results of the survey are presented, according to which the form of self-employment gained the greatest popularity among respondents in view of a number of advantages of using the "Professional Income Tax" regime. The limiting factors of starting their own business for potential entrepreneurs are: lack of funds (initial capital), the complexity of the current economic situation in the country and phobias of starting a new type of activity without a companion and/or team. Therefore, in order to stimulate entrepreneurial activity and achieve economic returns from small and medium-sized businesses, the author suggests focusing on the development of appropriate mechanisms for state support of cooperation and integration of business agents.