Incentives and Supports Provided to Women Entrepreneurs

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The Importance of Women’s Entrepreneurship

Women’s entrepreneurship should not be regarded merely as a component of economic development; it must also be considered a powerful tool for social transformation that contributes to the strengthening of gender equality. When women assume active roles in the business world, it not only enhances their individual self-confidence but also elevates the overall welfare level of society. In the past five years, there has been a notable increase in businesses founded by women entrepreneurs across a variety of sectors, including technology, finance, fashion, and agriculture. This trend indicates that women are becoming increasingly influential not only in traditional industries but also in innovative and high value-added sectors. Female entrepreneurs diversify and invigorate the economic structure through new business ideas, sustainable projects, and models aimed at creating social impact. The rise in women’s entrepreneurship is significantly supported by government institutions, local administrations, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations. Grants, entrepreneurship training, mentoring services, and mechanisms that facilitate access to financial resources all encourage women to participate in the business creation process. Such supportive policies not only promote the integration of women into the economy but also contribute to the development of their leadership skills.

Government Support and Incentive Programs

KOSGEB Women Entrepreneur Support

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Organization (KOSGEB) offers various grants and loan supports specifically for women entrepreneurs. These supports aim to reduce the financial burden women face during the business establishment process and to encourage the emergence of sustainable enterprises.

Available Supports:

• Loans of up to 350,000 TL for new women entrepreneurs whose businesses are less than 6 months old

• Loans of up to 500,000 TL for established women entrepreneurs

• Interest-free loans of up to 125,000 TL for young women entrepreneurs under the age of 30 (through protocol banks)

• Interest-free loans of up to 300,000 TL for entrepreneurs with a vocational certificate and at least 3 years of experience

Eligibility Criteria:

• Be at least 18 years old

• Be registered as a business under the Turkish Commercial Code

• Operate in sectors supported by KOSGEB

• Complete the Traditional Entrepreneurship Training and receive a certificate

• Have at least 50% ownership in the business

Required Documents:

• SME Declaration Form

• Trade/Artisan Registry Gazette

• Chamber Activity Certificate

• Signature Circular and Signature Declaration

• KOSGEB Entrepreneurship Certificate

Agriculture and Rural Development Support Institution (TKDK)

The TKDK provides significant grant support to women entrepreneurs, particularly those who want to operate in rural areas. Under the EU-funded IPARD Program, grants ranging from 60% to 80% are offered for activities such as dairy and meat production, poultry farming, egg production, and food processing. Additionally, exemptions from VAT and income tax are provided.

TOBB Women Entrepreneurs Board

Operating under the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB), the Women Entrepreneurs Board engages in various activities to spread the culture of women’s entrepreneurship and provide training and mentoring services. Its core mission is to support women in taking a more active role in economic life.

Provided Supports:

• Entrepreneurship seminars and panels

• Coaching and mentoring programs

• Internship and consultancy opportunities with experienced women entrepreneurs

Support from the Ministry of Family and Social Services

The Ministry of Family and Social Services implements various social development programs to encourage women’s active participation in social life, support their economic independence, and promote entrepreneurship. One of the key supports offered by the Ministry is interest-free loans for business establishment or expansion.

A 15,000 TL interest-free loan is provided to women entrepreneurs, helping them overcome financial barriers and start their own businesses. The repayment conditions are designed to favor the entrepreneurs, with a two-year grace period and a long-term repayment plan spread over eight years with low installments. This allows women to establish sustainable business models without facing financial difficulties.

These supports not only ensure women's active participation in the economy but also serve the goals of strengthening gender equality and empowering women.

Local Government Support Initiatives

Women Entrepreneurship Center

Established by local municipalities to promote women’s entrepreneurship, the Women Entrepreneurship Center operates as a social enterprise model. The center offers a range of supports aimed at empowering women economically and socially, particularly those seeking to start or grow their own businesses.

Available Opportunities:

Free Shared Office Space: A shared workspace with a capacity of 50 people is provided free of charge, enabling entrepreneurs to work together, exchange ideas, and build collaborations.

Workshop Access and Ceramic Kiln Use: The fully equipped workshop at the center is available for free for one year, especially benefiting craft- and production-focused enterprises. A ceramic kiln is also available.

Mentorship and Project Consultancy: Expert mentors assist entrepreneurs in growing their businesses by offering support in business planning, marketing strategy development, and sustainable business modeling.

Priority Application Rights: Female entrepreneurs with 1 to 3 years of business experience are given priority, helping developing businesses advance more rapidly.

Conclusion

Women’s entrepreneurship is a vital component not only of economic development but also of achieving gender equality. Today, various incentives and supports offered by government agencies, local authorities, and civil society organizations enable women to assume more visible, effective, and sustainable roles in the business world. Financial support, training programs, and mentoring services provided by institutions such as KOSGEB, TKDK, the TOBB Women Entrepreneurs Board, and the Ministry of Family and Social Services facilitate women’s entry into entrepreneurship, reduce structural barriers, and contribute to their economic independence. Moreover, social enterprise models such as Women Entrepreneurship Centers implemented by local governments encourage women’s active participation not only in professional but also in social life. This comprehensive support network strengthens not only the number but also the quality and sustainability of women entrepreneurs.