The article analyzes the perception of the nature of relations with the state by Russian small entrepreneurs and, in particular, the success of state support provided to small businesses during the pandemic. The data for the analysis were obtained during the summer (2021) survey of 580 small business owners, a sample of which was formed from the database of the Institute's project "Public Opinion Foundation" "Sociology of Small Business (SMBiz Project)". This database was gained in years of all-Russian population surveys conducted on random samples.

The main hypotheses of the study were confirmed. They are formulated as follows: (1) Small business is not homogeneous in its attitude to the policy pursued by the state, which can be influenced by different circumstances and factors (experience in business, its success, location, etc.). (2) Participation in certain state support programs increases the level of confidence in the state and has a positive effect on the assessment of its policy. (3) The measures implemented by the Russian state during the pandemic have had different coverage and different effectiveness in the perception of their beneficiaries.

In the concluding part, evidence and recommendations are formulated for the bodies implementing the policy on SMEs in Russia.