Sberbank Deputy Chairman Lays Out Cost-Cutting Playbook for Small Businesses

Small and medium-sized business owners have a range of options to trim expenses, from adopting digital tools to reclaiming VAT on payment processing fees, according to Sberbank Deputy Chairman Anatoly Popov. In an interview with RBC Tatarstan, Popov urged smaller firms to follow the lead of larger corporations by embracing technology. While only 35% of small businesses currently use artificial intelligence—compared to over 50% of companies with 250-plus employees—he argued this gap represents a major opportunity. "Those who systematically implement AI first will reap the biggest rewards and gain a competitive edge," he said.

Popov highlighted a government-backed program that refunds VAT on acquiring services for individual entrepreneurs and small businesses. Over 173,000 entrepreneurs nationwide have already received payments through this initiative in the past six months. He also noted another emerging strategy: combining entrepreneurship with salaried employment. Research from Sber shows this approach appeals to 51% of startup founders, 37% of young business owners, and 41% of those operating for more than three years. "In the new paradigm, running a business isn't a replacement for a job—it's a complement. You can test an idea, boost income, and maintain stability. But it does increase the workload. It's not easy," Popov explained.

A third tactic gaining traction is building horizontal partnerships. In the first quarter of 2026, more than a quarter of entrepreneurs used collaborations to cut costs and expand reach. "Joint projects are proving more profitable than going it alone, especially in manufacturing and services," the top manager noted. Popov's advice underscores a broader shift: small businesses are finding creative, low-risk ways to stay afloat and grow without relying solely on traditional methods.