When we talk about an Azerbaijani woman, we first imagine the mother - one of the key pillars of the family. Certainly, if we could preserve our identity, language, family traditions, and national and spiritual values as a nation under the current globalization and Internet development conditions, then we owed all this to the long-suffering Azerbaijani women. However, today Azerbaijani women are not only mothers; they are distinguished in their activities in all spheres of the country’s life. Currently, women are widely involved in state management, education, health care, and social protection systems, and law enforcement activity.

In recent years, a class of women entrepreneurs has been formed in our republic. Taking advantage of the favorable business environment in our country, the fair sex representatives prove their strength and decisiveness also in this field. Women entrepreneurs have already established hundreds of companies, joint ventures, and firms in our country. As of January 1, 2021, women made up 21.3 % of those registered as entrepreneurs without creating a legal entity. Private business entities, founded by women entrepreneurs, successfully operate in the industry, agriculture, and service sectors. In particular, women make up 23.8 % of entrepreneurs engaged in agriculture, forestry, and fishery, 20.8 % - trade and vehicle repair, and 31 % - other activities.

Among the factors affecting positively the expansion of entrepreneurial activity of Azerbaijani women, the importance of state support measures should be accentuated. “Developing women's entrepreneurship is among the priorities of the Small and Medium Business Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SMBDA). The organization promotes the development of women's entrepreneurship, considering the country's economic development priorities and national specifics, provides the necessary support and services in this area. To date, more than 30 % of entrepreneurs in Baku and regions have taken advantage of SMBDA’s various measures and support in training entrepreneurs, improving their knowledge and skills, and access to sales markets and financial resources. To date, 451 entrepreneurs and managers, over 30 % of whom are women, have benefited from the “Joint German-Azerbaijani Program for raising the qualifications of managers working for Azerbaijani companies”, implemented in partnership with SMBDA to gain international SMB experience. The Women's Entrepreneurship Development Association is also actively represented in the Public Council under the SMBDA”. This information was provided by SMBDA to “Yeni Azerbaijan”. SMBDA reports appropriate measures taken to promote developing women entrepreneurship and increase the number of women among micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs. Informative events, pieces of training, seminars, and round tables are regularly arranged to familiarize women with innovations and support mechanisms in the field of entrepreneurship, study their ideas and proposals. Promoting women entrepreneurs’ goods and services at various specialized exhibitions held with the agency’s organization and support is constantly in the spotlight. “Women use free training and consulting services provided by SMB development centers to improve their business knowledge and skills. To date, many women have opened or expanded their businesses using the support and various services provided by the agency, ”- the SMBDA’s report stresses.

SMBDA also focuses on supporting the development of women's entrepreneurship in joint projects and programs implemented in cooperation with domestic and foreign organizations. E.g., SMBDA and the United Aid for Azerbaijan (UAFA) have signed a Protocol of Intent for cooperation in supporting the development of women's entrepreneurship in the country. This document provides for developing women's entrepreneurship and expanding employment in the regions, implementing joint measures to improve their business skills and train them, etc.

Women entrepreneurs are also involved in sectors affected by the pandemic. They took advantage of government support measures for entrepreneurs affected by the pandemic.

The agency also provides support in demonstrating SMB products in specialized exhibitions. Since 2018, with the organization’s support, more than 170 startups and micro and small enterprises have participated in specialized exhibitions for free. Recently, an online sales platform www.kobmarket.az was launched with the SMBDA’s support to promote the sales of entrepreneurs' products. Along with expanding the sales opportunities for entrepreneurs on new platforms, the portal will support developing online commerce in the country, accelerate the digitalization of SMBs, and increase non-cash payments. Women entrepreneurs also widely use these platforms to promote and sell their business products.

According to the information received from SMBDA by our newspaper, funding educational, scientific, research, and support projects of SMBs has started in 2021. Already 15 projects submitted to the competition held by the agency have been financed. Projects cover such areas as fuel economy, development of various devices and software, waste recycling, waste-free production, obtaining international certificates and patents, as well as providing employment for women. AZN 14 to 20 thousand were allocated for each project.

The growing number of women entrepreneurs in economic activity is rightly considered a new opportunity for the country's development. This trend, which is relatively new for our republic, impacts positively the private sector competitiveness, increasing employment, and developing the economy and the social sector as a whole.

Mubariz

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