THE ROLE OF SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED BUSINESSES IN THE ECONOMY OF THE CHUVASH REPUBLIC
The role of small business in the economy of the country and regions is determined by two indicators: 1) the number of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), including individual entrepreneurs, in the total number of economic entities; 2) the contribution of SMEs to GDP (GRP) and production (work, services). The SME sector is primarily focused on the needs of its region. Taking into account the existing deep differentiation of regions in terms of the level of socio - economic development of regions, the issues of the development of the small and medium - sized business sector in the constituent entities become especially relevant. The article explores the role of small and medium-sized businesses in the economy of the Chuvash Republic based on the official data of Rosstat, the Rating Agency Russia Today, and regional normative acts. The article uses data of continuous statistical observation of the activities of SMEs. The data for the Chuvash Republic are presented in comparison with the average Russian indicators for the regions of the Volga Federal District (VFD). The study found that the Chuvash Republic lags far behind other regions of the district and the country in terms of indicators characterizing the development of SMEs.