The relevance of the topic. Measures of state support for small and medium-sized businesses in developed countries of the world make it possible to form a competitive environment and ensure the stabilization of macroeconomic processes. In recent years, the effective development of small and medium-sized enterprises has become a factor of sustainable growth of national wealth, increasing labor productivity and providing high-quality services in the Russian economy. However, small and medium-sized enterprises in the regions of Russia experience significant discomfort in the field of activity, which hinders their further development. Goal. The purpose of the research is to analyze the state support of small and medium-sized businesses in developed countries of the world, identify problems and develop recommendations for their elimination. Methodology. The research is based on general scientific methods of comparative and logical analysis, functional and systematic approaches, as well as statistical and economic methods. Results and conclusions. The hypothesis of the study is that the development of small and mediumsized businesses is determined by the national policy of support, which is related to its features. Underestimating small business, ignoring its economic and social opportunities in the future, can lead to a deepening of the crisis of the Russian economy. In this regard, it is very important for Governments at all levels to support and stimulate the activities of this sector. Analysis of foreign experience in financial support of small and mediumsized enterprises revealed the need to create an effective business management mechanism at the regional level, allowing small and medium-sized enterprises to function successfully, achieving higher profitability and increasing revenues to the regional budget. The study analyzed the programs of state support for small and medium-sized businesses both in the Russian Federation and in countries with developed economies. The analysis confirms the need for the development of various forms of small enterprises in the region. Small and medium-sized businesses react quickly to market changes, contribute to the development of infrastructure and competitiveness, increase tax deductions to the budget, create new jobs, reduce social tension in society. In the course of the study, the role of the state in supporting small and medium-sized businesses in the new conditions was determined. The necessity of developing a new mechanism of state support for small and medium-sized businesses, taking into account the state of the country’s economy and the peculiarities of regional development, was confirmed. Thus, with all the opportunities and measures of state support, the effectiveness of small and mediumsized businesses is largely determined by the level of development of the territory. The Institute of state support for Small and medium-sized enterprises should not only be an accelerator for the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, but also influence the business environment of entrepreneurship through a system of general economic measures. Scope of application. The sphere of activity of small and medium-sized businesses
