Аннотация:The chapter provides a retrospective analysis of entrepreneurship development in Russia from the 9th century to 2020. It highlights four periods in the development of SMEs in Russia and gives characteristics of each of the periods. It also highlights criteria for classifying enterprises as small and medium-sized businesses according to Russian legislation. A retrospective analysis of government programs to support SMEs from 1994 to 2020 was carried out. The state support program, effective since 2016, “Strategy for the Development of Small and Medium-Sized Businesses in the Russian Federation for the Period Ending 2030,” is considered in detail. Attention is paid to target indicators of SME development until 2030. An analysis of measures of state support for SMEs in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic has been carried out, highlighting the most affected industries. An analysis of SMEs by region of Russia was also carried out. An analysis of SMEs in effected industries in the post-pandemic period is carried out.