SMB

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Growing interest of Entrepreneurs' and hike of Applications towards SMB Houses 19.09.24

As of September 19, 2024, nearly 300,000 services have been rendered to entrepreneurs at SMB houses operating in Baku, Khachmaz, and Yevlakh during the past period of the current year.

The need for support and services arises for entrepreneurs at different stages of their activities. SMB houses have been established under the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBİA) of the Ministry of Economy to improve public services provided to business, ensure easy and convenient access to these services, and raise entrepreneur satisfaction. Delivery of the services at a single location within SMB houses secures to save time and reduce operational costs of entrepreneurs. The transparent and prompt organization of services enhances entrepreneur satisfaction and makes the service level measurable.

During the past period of the current year, SMB houses in Baku, Khachmaz and Yevlakh have rendered nearly 300,000 services to entrepreneurs. Of these services, about 268,000 were provided by public institutions, while more than 32,000 were offered by private organizations.

During this time, entrepreneurs have applied to SMB houses mainly for permits for transportation activities, signs of distinction, tachograph cards, certificates of origin, tax and customs issues, utilities etc.

The satisfaction level of entrepreneurs with the services stands at 98%.

Observations show that the both number of applications and interest of entrepreneurs towards SMB houses are on the rise.

It is no coincidence that the current year, Azerbaijan's SMB house model was selected as an innovative initiative in the competition organized by the OECD's Research Center for Innovations in the Public Sector (https://oecd-opsi.org/innovations/single-support-service-model-for-smes-sme-house/).

The international organization evaluates the integration and coordination of public and private sector capabilities in a single location—SMB houses—as a unique model contributing to the development of the SMB sector. Experts of the center associate the innovativeness of the SMB house model with the provision of comprehensive services supporting development of SMB and a flexible approach tailored to needs.

The OECD's Research Center for Innovations in the Public Sector, established in 2011, serves as a global forum supporting implementation and promotion of advanced innovations in the public sector. The center's website features a section where ideas and innovations have been shared since 2003, including evaluations of innovative initiatives from over 90 countries, including Azerbaijan (https://oecd-opsi.org/case_type/opsi/).

Measures continue to expand the coverage of SMB houses.

The establishment of SMB houses in the city of Khudat of Khachmaz district and in Ganja city is close to completion.