Key trends that shaped small business development in Kazan during the 1980s–1990s

This article examines key trends that shaped small business growth in Kazan during the 1980s–1990s. The rise of local markets was described considering the political, cultural, religious, and socio-economic landscapes of the Republic of Tatarstan at that time. The analysis reveals that small companies drive economic progress, foster scientific and technological advances, promote competition, discourage sectoral and territorial monopolies, create jobs, and address many other problems, thus being just as vital to the socio-economic development of a state as medium and large companies. The following main characteristics of small business in Kazan during the studied period were identified: the city administration’s support for the budding small business as a fundamental and promising sector of the urban economy, the rapid response to the economic challenges in the state, as well as the ability to pivot effectively in line with market demands and fit successfully within specialized market niches.