SMB

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

Interest in SME Houses as an innovative model in the field of business services is increasing Additional 55 people were engaged in training within the framework of the “Karabakh SME 2026” project More than 312,000 services were provided to entrepreneurs in SME Houses in the first half of 2026 Applications of entrepreneurs were considered at KOBİA In the first half of 2026, the KOBİA Call Centre via number 131 responded to approximately 5,000 enquiries The next meeting within the framework of the "Investment Journey" project was held in the city of Aghsu Business projects that have received the "Startup" Certificate are developing More than 50 meetings with entrepreneurs were organised in the first half of 2026 Another meeting with entrepreneurs was organised in the city of Mingachevir A production enterprise for test kits and medical plastic packaging products will be established

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.