The volume of state assistance to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is rapidly declining, Kommersant reports . 
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In the first quarter of 2024, government support for SMEs decreased in annual terms by 6.2% (119.4 thousand companies that received subsidies). Medium-sized businesses suffered the most noticeably – a reduction in support by 25%, followed by small companies (-14.6%) and micro-enterprises (-5.5%).
The total amount of support received by SMEs decreased by 14%, from 149.1 billion to 127.8 billion rubles. If in the spring of 2023 the average amount of support per recipient was 1.3 million rubles, then in the spring of this year it dropped to 1.1 million rubles.
The state began to impose counter-demands on import substitution and innovation activity on SMEs as a condition for receiving subsidies. At the same time, private companies are also involved in support, independently financing efficient suppliers as part of import substitution.
The number of SMEs registered in Russia has set a new record .
Difficult credit conditions did not prevent the growth of SME business activity .
