Nowadays, a complex socio-ecological and economic situation is developing in the rural territories of the region. Changes in governance structures, the collapse of both social and industrial infrastructure, as well as unemployment exacerbate the current situation. The gap between the standard for living of the urban and rural population continues to widen. A large number of villages disappear from the map of the country every year. In this regard, the economy, life, way of people’s life, their history, traditions and culture are being destroyed. In this regard, special attention should be paid to state support of small and medium-sized businesses as a factor of sustainable development of rural areas.