The aim of the study was a comparative analysis of the activities of small and medium-sized enterprises in Russia and foreign countries. The article presents the principles and concepts of entrepreneurship. The distribution of small and medium-sized enterprises by types of economic activity is considered. Data of continuous surveys of activity of entrepreneurship of Russia in 2010 and 2015 were used as initial data. A comparison of the share of small and medium-sized enterprises in the economy of Russia and foreign countries is presented. The results of the study can be used by the departments of regional and municipal authorities engaged in the formation of projects and programs for the development of entrepreneurship, including the development of entrepreneurship in those regions and municipalities. The study is able to provide the government with information on ways to increase the contribution of enterprises to the national economy.