Novosibirsk Entrepreneurs to Get Online Support
Chatbots on the MAX messaging platform now give entrepreneurs access to information about current government support programs. Over time, the bots could take on additional functions.
Authorities in Russia’s Novosibirsk region have launched official channels for regional government agencies and a chatbot called “Support for Novosibirsk Region Businesses” on the MAX messaging platform. The chatbot helps users find agency contact information and details about subsidies, preferential loans and training programs. Meanwhile, ministry channels provide updates on grants, preferential lending, legislative changes and business events. The Tsentr Moy biznes (My Business center) channel offers entrepreneurs event announcements, guidance materials and information about available services. Another channel, Chestnyy znak. Novosibirsk (Honest Sign: Novosibirsk), moderated by the Tsentr «Moy biznes», provides information about product labeling and access to specialized support.
With these digital services, entrepreneurs in Novosibirsk can quickly find the information they need without searching multiple websites or visiting government offices. That could help them launch new projects and, in turn, create jobs.
All the Information in One Place
For now, the main value of these chatbots lies in giving users quick access to information and helping them navigate the available support programs. Over time, additional features could follow, including personalized program recommendations, checks against basic eligibility requirements, application deadline reminders and tools for tracking the status of requests.
Digital access to government support is becoming increasingly popular. It is therefore reasonable to expect similar services to emerge in regions across Russia. Regional services could eventually connect with federal platforms, allowing entrepreneurs to find information about both regional and nationwide programs within a single digital environment.
Some of these technologies could also become export products. Examples include chatbots for government agencies, automated advisory services for small businesses, tools for matching businesses with support programs, solutions that integrate messaging platforms with state information systems, and digital service platforms. Such projects could be particularly attractive to countries developing e-government services.
Digital Dialogue With Government
Government agencies and residents have been interacting through digital channels for years, including at the regional level. In Novosibirsk region, for example, the regional multifunctional public services center launched an official channel and chatbot on MAX in 2025. Users can ask questions about public services, find branch addresses and operating hours, and check whether their documents are ready. A later update added an appointment-booking feature.
Before these initiatives, federal and regional public service platforms had already enabled people to complete most routine tasks online. Bringing business support into the digital space is a logical extension of that trend. A major milestone came in 2022, with the launch of MSP.RF, Russia’s unified digital platform for small and medium-sized businesses. It brought together tools for finding government support and services to help businesses grow. Use of the platform increased year after year. According to the SME Corporation, as of Feb. 26, 2026, its services had been accessed more than 12 million times over three years. Regions also began developing their own services for entrepreneurs. In September 2026, the SME Corporation announced the launch of a chatbot in Vologda region, where entrepreneurs can access financial, advisory and property-related support. Novosibirsk region has now joined this effort.
Saving Time and Protecting Data
MAX is thus becoming another channel through which government agencies can provide information, consultations and services. The economic impact of these initiatives has yet to be assessed, but entrepreneurs can already save considerable time by avoiding lengthy searches across scattered information sources.
In the future, chatbots will likely be integrated with regional and federal state information systems. Their practical value would increase substantially if they could do more than explain eligibility requirements: they could also recommend suitable programs, accept application documents and let users track application status.
For now, several immediate priorities remain, including ensuring that information is accurate and that data is protected. Channel content must be updated regularly, and general informational functions must be clearly distinguished from actions with legal significance. Experts also emphasize that users should retain alternative ways to contact government agencies.
If chatbots become a fully fledged way to access government support, the initiative could develop into a long-term service that meets an ongoing need among Russian entrepreneurs.
