SMB

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

Startup Competition Launched Within the Framework of the IsDB Annual Meetings HELF/AZHAB Forum 2026 to Be Held Within the Framework of the IsDB Group Annual Meetings in Baku A meeting with entrepreneurs was held in the Khizi district For the attention of micro and small entrepreneurs wishing to present their products and services at the “Local Companies Promotion Exhibition!” ANNOUNCEMENT WUF13 Hosts Awareness Event for Entrepreneurs The project “Women Entrepreneurs in Successful Partnership” has been completed Growing role of women in business: from state support to sustainable development Rwandan Delegation Familiarized with the SMB House Model A survey is being conducted among startups

Rising Interest of Youth in Entrepreneurial Activities 01.04.25

State’s support mechanism stimulates the youth to be engagerd in entrepreneurial activities.

A significant portion of entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners benefiting from the state support mechanisms provided by the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBIA) are young individuals. Only in 2024, 40% of those who participated in the agency’s training, consultancy, and business plan development services to enhance business knowledge and skills were young people. Additionally, over 30% of SMEs granted a "Startup" certificate, which exempts businesses from taxes, and 30% of entrepreneurs who received grant support were young entrepreneurs and startups.

KOBIA closely collaborates with vocational and higher education institutions to promote youth entrepreneurship and support their initiatives in this field. As part of this cooperation, the agency's business experts meet with students from various vocational and higher education institutions, providing them with initial insights into entrepreneurship and available support mechanisms while addressing their questions. Additionally, training programs are organized for students interested in starting their own businesses.

KOBIA, in collaboration with partner organizations, implements various projects and programs to support youth business initiatives. As part of these efforts, 60 young individuals have benefited from the "Youth Business Workshop," which provides initial support for starting a business, and the "From Us to Business" project, which contributes to financing business ideas.

KOBIA's "KOB Volunteers" program is a valuable opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students in management, business, and related fields to gain fundamental knowledge in entrepreneurship. To date, over 700 young individuals have successfully completed the program, with many excelling in the private sector.

It is worth noting that nearly 23% of Azerbaijan's population consists of young people.