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 the first quarter of the current year, 16 “Startup” certificates were issued to entrepreneurs 20.04.26

Out of the entrepreneurs who received the “Startup” certificate, 10 are from the city of Baku and 6 are from the regions.

In January–March 2026, 29 micro and small entrepreneurs applied to the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBİA) 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 decided to issue “Startup” certificates to 16 micro and small entrepreneurs. Of the entrepreneurs who received the certificate, 10 are legal entities and 6 are individuals. Out of the startups, 10 are from the city of Baku and 6 are from the regions. Business entities that received the “Startup” certificate operate in production and service sectors, and the main directions of the startups include innovative solutions in areas such as e-commerce and digital marketing, healthcare technologies, online game development, travel and tourism services, digital payment systems and others.

It should be noted that the “Startup” certificate exempts SME entities, from the date of obtaining the certificate, from profit tax or income tax on income derived from innovation activities for a period of 3 years. The decision on the issuance or refusal of the “Startup” certificate is made by KOBİA on the basis of the opinion of the Expert Council. The Expert Council consists of 12 members under the Agency, including representatives of various state bodies and independent experts. Micro and small business entities may apply to KOBİA to obtain a “Startup” certificate. For detailed information: https://smb.gov.az/az/nav/startap-sehadetnamesi