SMB

We believe Azerbaijan’s socio-economic development is closely linked with entrepreneurship and its future development!

27 June – International Day of Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises: SMEs Changing the World A reception of entrepreneurs will be held in Balakan Businessmen of the Nigde (Niğde) Region of Türkiye Visited the Baku SME House Investment Portal: A Support Tool Bringing Together Entrepreneurs and Investors on One Platform Azerbaijan Pavilion Featured at IsDB’s 14th Private Sector Forum Exhibition Winners of the Startup Competition Held Within the Framework of the Islamic Development Bank Group Annual Meetings Announced Support for Expanding Sales Opportunities of SMEs The “7th Local Companies Promotion Exhibition” is being held HELF and AZHAB Forums Held in Baku During the 51st Annual Meetings of the Islamic Development Bank Group Startup Competition Launched Within the Framework of the IsDB Annual Meetings

In 2025, 59 micro and small entrepreneurs obtained tax incentives for innovative projects 27.01.26

Projects granted the “Startup” Certificate cover areas such as financial, educational and healthcare technologies, e-commerce and digital marketing, digital payment systems, and other fields.

In 2025, 125 micro and small business entities applied to the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBIA) to obtain a “Startup” Certificate. Based on the “Criteria for Determining a Startup” approved by the Decision of the Cabinet of Ministers dated 29 January 2021, the Expert Council adopted a decision to grant the “Startup” Certificate to 59 SME entities. Of the certificate holders, 48 are legal entities and 11 are individuals; 53 are micro entrepreneurs and 6 are small entrepreneurs.

44 startups are based in Baku, while 15 operate in the regions. Ten of the certificate holders are women entrepreneurs, and four of the projects qualify as “green projects.”

Business entities that received the “Startup” Certificate operate in the manufacturing and service sectors. The main focus areas of the startups include innovative solutions in financial, educational and healthcare technologies, e-commerce and digital marketing, digital payment systems, and other related fields.

Overall, from the start of issuing “Startup” Certificates in 2021 until 1 January 2026, 493 applications were submitted to KOBIA, of which 247 were granted a “Startup” Certificate.

It should be noted that the “Startup” Certificate exempts SME entities from profit or income tax on revenues generated from innovation activities for a period of three years starting from the date the certificate is granted. Decisions on granting or refusing the “Startup” Certificate are made by KOBIA based on the opinion of the Expert Council. The Expert Council operates under the Agency and consists of 12 members, including representatives of various state authorities and independent experts.

Micro and small business entities may apply to KOBIA for a “Startup” Certificate.

For more information: https://smb.gov.az/az/nav/startap-sehadetnamesi