In Saint Petersburg, Leading Market Experts United to Equip SMEs with Tools for Protection and Growth in 2026

April 27, 2026, Saint Petersburg — A large-scale conference for small and medium-sized business representatives titled «SMEs – 2026: New Challenges, Risks and Opportunities. How to Protect Assets, Manage Risks and Find Financing» took place at the Saint Petersburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SPb CCI). The event was organized by insurance company Turicum, consulting agency Swilar, investment company Rikom-Trust, and auditing firm Sternhoff Audit.

The event opened with a welcome address from SPb CCI Vice President Anastasia Dedul, who emphasized the strategic importance of systematic support for the SME sector as a key driver of the region’s economic development.

«Today, small and medium-sized businesses are not only the foundation of the urban economy’s stability, but also a space for growth, cooperation, and the introduction of new solutions. The mission of SPb CCI is to create conditions under which entrepreneurs gain access to practical development tools, build partnerships, and find answers to pressing challenges. We also pay close attention to the protection and registration of intellectual property rights, as well as the formation of sound contractual practices — including the use of arbitration clauses with reference to the ICAC branch at the RF Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Saint Petersburg, which helps reduce legal risks and improve the predictability of business interactions,» said Anastasia Dedul.

Key Topics and Practical Solutions.

Leading experts in finance, insurance, and investment offered participants not just an analysis of the current situation, but clear, step-by-step tools for protecting and growing their businesses in challenging economic conditions.

Specialists from insurance company Turicum examined new corporate risk schemes and asset insurance methods. Consulting agency Swilar presented crisis management algorithms, while Rikom-Trust experts spoke about real financing opportunities despite the tight monetary policy environment. Sternhoff Audit auditors, in turn, focused on tax security and ways to minimize claims from regulatory authorities.

The conference confirmed strong demand from the business community for bringing together the expertise of insurers, lawyers, auditors, and investors. Following the event, the organizers announced the release of methodological guidelines and the launch of a series of practical seminars for business owners.

• Thuricum Insurance Company — specialization: comprehensive business and corporate asset protection programs.
• Swilar Consulting Agency — strategic and management consulting for SMEs.
• Ricom-Trust Investment Company — sourcing and attracting financing, deal structuring.
• Sterngoff Audit — auditing, tax consulting, and accounting outsourcing.
• Saint Petersburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry — a key infrastructure platform for dialogue between business, financial institutions, and government authorities.