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Nizhny Novgorod’s Free Training Turns Low-Income Residents Into Entrepreneurs

From zero experience to funded startups: How one Russian region is breaking barriers for aspiring entrepreneurs. Could this model work elsewhere?

In the image we can see there are people who are standing and beside there is a cafe on which it's...
In the image we can see there are people who are standing and beside there is a cafe on which it's written "Ruskin's Cafe".

Nizhny Novgorod’s Free Training Turns Low-Income Residents Into Entrepreneurs

For the second year running, Nizhny Novgorod Oblast has hosted entrepreneurship training for low-income residents aiming to start small business ideas. Over 60 prospective beneficiaries completed the programme in 2025, a 36% rise from the previous year. The initiative helps participants qualify for financial support through social contracts worth up to 3.5 million rubles.

The training is organised by the regional My Business centre, which focuses on equipping applicants with essential business skills. Many participants previously lacked basic knowledge on setting up and running a company. The course addresses this gap by teaching key aspects of entrepreneurship.

The completed training allows participants to submit stronger applications for social contracts. With up to 3.5 million rubles available, successful applicants can turn their business ideas into reality. The initiative continues to expand, offering more residents a pathway to self-employment.

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