The Kostroma Region will host the Business Battle startup competition for the first time

The first season of the Business Battle startup competition starts in the Kostroma Region. The project is aimed at supporting small and medium-sized businesses, searching for promising entrepreneurial initiatives and developing the business environment in the region, according to VTB, which is the general sponsor of the event.

As part of the project, participants will undergo several selection stages. Under the guidance of mentors, they will be taught how to analyze the market, develop marketing strategies and business plans, and create financial models.

Entrepreneurs over the age of 18 who are starting or developing their own business in the region will be able to participate in the competition, which will be held in the Kostroma region for the first time. Acceptance of applications starts on May 27. Educational programs and special prizes from partners and organizers are provided for the finalists. The winner will receive 1 million rubles.

"The development of small and medium-sized businesses remains one of the key factors for the sustainable growth of the regional economy. For VTB, it is important not only to provide entrepreneurs with financial instruments, but also to create platforms where novice teams can receive expertise, mentor support, and the opportunity to scale their projects. We see a high potential for regional entrepreneurship and expect that the competition will become an additional driver of business activity in the Kostroma Region," said Denis Bortnikov, Deputy President and Chairman of the Management Board of VTB.

The head of the region, Sergey Sitnikov, added that "the joint project with VTB will allow entrepreneurs of the Kostroma region to gain additional opportunities for professional growth and the implementation of their own ideas."

The organizer of the contest is the Russian media group "Western Press".