The article takes up the problem of the state aid for entrepreneurs in Poland. Its purpose is to analyze the scope and structure of the said support as well as its impact on competition. Studies show that the value of public support in 2009 amounted to over PLN 19 billion, meaning 1,43% of GDP. It was granted mainly in the form of subsidies and tax reliefs. Since their purpose was, above all, regional and horizontal support, one may conclude that the negative impact of public support on competition was limited.