Methodological tools for the integral assessment of the small business situation in regions of Russia
Importance This article deals with the development of methodological tools for an integrated assessment of the state of small business in the regions of Russia.  Objectives The article aims to investigate methods of estimation of quantitative and qualitative aspects of functioning of business environment and develop methodological tools of integral estimation of small business state in regions of Russia on the basis of an analysis of the main socio-economic indicators of its development.  Methods For the study, we used statistical methods, ranking method, and a point rating method. The considered period of time is the period from 2012 to 2016. Six subjects of the Ural Federal District and eight subjects of the Southern Federal District are the object of analysis.  Results The article presents the results of assessment of small enterprises of the regions of the Ural and Southern Federal Districts, and it offers certain methodological recommendations on selection of priority directions of small business development.  Conclusions and Relevance The methodological tools offered can help assess effectively the state of small business in the regions of Russia and react in proper time to the negative tendencies in the business sector, as well as analyze the effectiveness of the implemented measures. The results obtained can be used by the authorities of the regions, which are part of the Ural and Southern Federal Districts, in the development of government programs for small business development.