SMB

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

7 SMEs have been granted a 'Startup' certificate. The 7th Grant Competition for the Financing of SMEs' Education, Science, Research, and Support Projects is Announced Representatives of KOBIA participated in WCF Africa 2025 Summit Representatives of KOBIA participated in the Annual Investment Meeting held in Abu Dhabi Attention to manufacturers wishing to showcase their products and services free of charge at the 'Caspian Agro' and 'InterFood Azerbaijan' exhibitions! The Azerbaijan Coffee Championship has taken place Our country will be represented by this Startup in AIM Congress International Startup Congress Rising Interest of Youth in Entrepreneurial Activities The choice is simple: It must be locally produced, sold by the manufacturer, and the products must be fresh and high-quality Informational Flyers and Brochures Prepared by KOBIA

The 7th Grant Competition for the Financing of SMEs' Education, Science, Research, and Support Projects is Announced 11.04.25

In accordance with the “Regulations on the Financing of Education, Science, Research, and Support Projects Related to the Development of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises,” approved by the Cabinet of Ministers on September 30, 2020, the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBIA) announces the 7th grant competition for the financing of projects in the fields of education, science, research, and support.

Terms:

-Legal entities or individuals classified as micro, small, or medium-sized business entities are eligible to participate in the competition;

-Projects must fall within one of the following domains: education, science, research, or support;

-Each applicant is entitled to submit only one project within the framework of the competition;

-The project implementation period must be no less than 3 months and no more than 12 months;

-Projects that are fully funded, currently being implemented, or already completed with the financial support of other institutions shall not be eligible for additional or repeated funding by the Agency;

-All required documents for participation in the competition must be submitted in full;

-Implementation of the activities outlined in the project must be planned to commence as of July 1, 2025;

-Projects submitted for the competition must be prepared in the Azerbaijani language.

Allocated Financial Resources: The maximum amount of funding allocated per project is set at 20,000 AZN.

Submission of Project Documents: Project applications will be accepted from 09:00 on April 15, 2025, until 18:00 on May 14, 2025. (Note: Applications submitted before or after the specified time frame will not be considered.)

Competition Period: May 16, 2025 – June 16, 2025.

SME entities wishing to participate in the competition may submit the required documents either electronically (via info@smb.gov.az ) or in hard copy directly to the Agency (Baku city, 38C Ziya Bunyadov street, Block 1969, "Baku SME House") between 09:00 on April 15, 2025, and 18:00 on May 14, 2025:

Application form;
Project proposal submitted for the competition;
Financial justification of the project budget;
Copies of documents verifying the identity and authority of the individual entrepreneur or the representative of the legal entity classified as an SME;
If the applicant is a legal entity, copies of the extract from the state register and the charter of the legal entity. (Note: The relevant documents may be downloaded from the following link: https://smb.gov.az/az/nav/qrant )

Information on the results of the competition will be published on the official website of SMBDA (www.smb.gov.az) after June 17, 2025.

Education Field:

Development of educational-methodological and awareness-raising materials;
Preparation and organization of various seminars, conferences, training sessions, workshops, and practical experience programs, as well as the provision of educational, consulting, and awareness-raising support;
Organization of initiatives and delivery of knowledge aimed at promoting entrepreneurship among start-up founders, women entrepreneurs, persons with disabilities, and youth;
Involvement of SME entities in the educational process of higher education and vocational training institutions;
Development of joint projects with educational institutions to train and upskill qualified professionals in accordance with the needs of SME entities.

Science Field:

Strengthening the operations of SME entities through the application of innovative scientific projects;
Enhancing SME activities through collaborative partnerships with legal and natural persons engaged in scientific work, their public associations, as well as other participants in scientific activities;
Projects that encompass scientific studies focused on activities aimed at the development of micro, small, and medium enterprises;
Promotion of cooperation between SME entities and industrial and technology parks, technology transfer centers, business incubators, and similar institutions;
Organization and implementation within the Republic of Azerbaijan of science-oriented conferences, symposiums, seminars, and other events of national, regional, and international significance, which are of particular importance for the development of micro, small, and medium enterprises, as well as support for participation in scientific events held abroad.

Research Field:

Conducting research focused on the innovative development of SME entities;
Carrying out research in the production sector by SME entities and applying the resulting findings;
Organizing and conducting trainings and seminars to stimulate the participation of interested stakeholders in research activities aimed at the development of micro, small, and medium entrepreneurship;
Projects directed at the advancement of micro, small, and medium entrepreneurship, including the development, increased production, and expansion of SME entities’ operations;
Implementation of projects aimed at studying or analyzing tools and mechanisms influencing the production activities of SME entities;
Enhancing the efficiency of interaction between the research and production sectors, and strengthening cooperation with educational institutions in the field of research.

Support Field:

Study of international best practices, conducting audits, documentation, obtaining patents, and organizing management and logistics services;
Support for organizing laboratory services to analyze and test products produced by SME entities;
Support for the participation of SME entities in events held both domestically and abroad, aimed at strengthening their human resource potential;
Assistance for SME entities that export non-oil products for the first time, in documentation processes and obtaining necessary certifications for accessing foreign markets;
Support for the registration of start-ups promoting innovative entrepreneurship, the sale of their manufactured products (services), patenting, and promotion in international markets;
Assistance for SME entities in benefiting from high-tech and innovative capabilities, implementing relevant technologies in their operations, and providing expert support when necessary.
For additional information: (+994 12) 404 04 01, 131 Call Center.