This article deals with the conditions and resources for small business development in various regions – evidence from the Republic of Buryatia. Today, it is especially important because the development of small businesses is vital to the Russian economy. Fluctuations in oil prices, the sanctions on behalf of certain Western countries, and the resulting inflation growth, as well as ruble depreciation have proved the instability of a commodity-based economy. Under these conditions, with an actually failed program of economic modernization, the need to attract resources for the greater use of scientific and industrial potential and for small business development is especially acute. The work describes the effect of climatic, political and socio-economic conditions of small businesses, and determines human and financial resources needed for its development.