Small business development-one of the ways to provide economic growth of Russia

Small businesses have an important role to play in economic development. In this paper, the criteria which are used in different countries for the definition of a ´small enterprise´ are offered. The factors which impede the development of small business and measures to mitigate influence of these factors are described. Resources of information, which are necessary for business owner to accept the best decision, are suggested. Finally, priorities of assisting small-scale business owners for the nearest two years are presented.