OREANDA-NEWS. May 13, 2011. With assistance from Uniastrum Bank, OPORA Russia President Sergei Borisov held an online-seminar entitled “Development of Small and Medium Enterprise: Problems and Prospects”. During the 3-hour seminar Mr. Borisov answered over 200 questions from business owners throughout Russia on the problems faced by small and midsized companies, including, among others, the effectiveness of business incubators, the development of outsourcing mechanisms, leasing prospects, the consequences for small business of Russia’s entry into the WTO, tax optimization, reducing the government’s role in the national economy, and administrative barriers, reported the press-centre of Uniastrum Bank.

Dedicated to supporting the country’s small business community, Uniastrum continues to host workshops for entrepreneurs, and take part in forums, conferences, round tables, and other events geared toward helping and advising the SB segment. In December 2010, the Bank inked an agreement with OPORA Russia in order to work together to address the concerns of Russia’s small and midsized enterprises. One important aspect of the agreement is the signatories’ commitment to run joint information, analytical, research, promotional and educational programs with a view to improving the financial literacy of SME owners and personnel, also with regard to banking services.

For Uniastrum, increasing SME access to these services is predicated on direct bank-client relationships. Customers seeking help and advice, for example, with regard to the Bank’s new package of special small business options, Sensible Credit, need simply to fill out a loan application form on the Uniastrum website.

“By taking part in seminars of this type small and medium businesses can get answers concerning the kind of practical, down-to-earth issues they encounter on a day-to-day basis. At the same time, it gives them a chance to outline their problems and bring them to the attention of the government, banks, and the general public.”