ABSTRACT
Statement of the research problem. In the context of the coronavirus pandemic, small businesses have been exposed to serious risks, since their viability primarily depends on the consumer demand of the population, which in turn has declined sharply in these force majeure circumstances. Small businesses are either waiting for the lifting of restrictive measures, or they are counting on state support, or they are looking for other ways out of the current situation in order to preserve jobs, the level of income of employees, remain on the market and ensure the supply of vital goods and services to the population. Economic and social stability in the region and in the country as a whole largely depends on the ability of small businesses to assume these obligations. Description of the data or materials used. The study was conducted using the method of semi-formal interviews with owners of enterprises with a staff of up to one hundred people (small businesses). The experts surveyed included 17 small business entrepreneurs from seven Russian regions (Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Omsk region (Omsk), Krasnodar territory (Anapa), Volgograd region (Cherepovets), Arkhangelsk region (Arkhangelsk), Kemerovo region (Jurga)) and by population (cities with millions of people, large and medium-sized cities). The surveyed entrepreneurs represented both industrial production and service companies. The interview was conducted using remote means of communication using a specially developed guide. The results of the study showed that the conditions of the pandemic forced small businesses to change the usual format of work, transform traditional business processes, and switch to remote customer service. Despite the current problems, small businesses are looking to the future with a restrained degree of optimism. The crisis outlined the weakest points of their business to the leaders of small firms, allowed them to abandon inefficient business processes. Those enterprises that could not do this are forced to leave the market. In the post-crisis period, small businesses expect the government to change fiscal and regulatory policies aimed at reducing the financial burden on business and reducing control and audit measures. Despite the current problems, small businesses are looking to the future with a restrained degree of optimism. The crisis revealed the weaknesses of the business and showed possible prospects for development.