KOSGEB Support Gateway for Small and Medium Enterprises

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What is KOSGEB?

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development and Support Administration (KOSGEB) is a public institution established in Turkey to support the economic development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), enhance their competitiveness, and contribute to their sustainable growth. Operating under the Ministry of Industry and Technology, KOSGEB enables companies to become competitive in larger markets through financial support, training programs, consultancy services, and contributions to innovative projects.

KOSGEB provides a wide range of assistance, from financial support programs to consultancy services, to help entrepreneurs and businesses succeed in the business world. Additionally, by prioritizing industry- and technology-focused projects, KOSGEB contributes to Turkey's economic development.

Advantages of KOSGEB

Interest-Free Loans and Non-Repayable Grant Support

KOSGEB provides interest-free loans and non-repayable grants to ease the financial burden on entrepreneurs and SMEs. These supports help new entrepreneurs meet their capital needs and assist existing SMEs in expanding their businesses. The "Entrepreneurship Support Program," particularly designed for new entrepreneurs, makes the business establishment process easier and more financially manageable.

Opportunity to Enhance International Competitiveness

KOSGEB offers programs that support businesses in expanding into international markets. In this context, financial assistance is provided for trade fair participation, international business trips, and foreign trade training to help businesses gain recognition abroad. These supports allow SMEs to become more competitive on the international stage and take advantage of global market opportunities.

Increasing Business Capacity through Consultancy and Training Programs

KOSGEB not only provides financial support but also organizes various consultancy and training programs to enhance the knowledge and skills of entrepreneurs and businesses. Through these programs, businesses can receive training in critical areas such as business management, marketing, financial planning, and digital transformation to improve efficiency.

Special Support for R&D and Innovation Projects

In the era of technology and innovation, businesses must invest in R&D and innovation efforts to gain a competitive advantage. To meet this need, KOSGEB offers the "R&D, Innovation, and Industrial Application Support Program," encouraging the realization of innovative projects. These supports provide significant opportunities for the development and commercialization of technology-based products.

Who Can Benefit from KOSGEB Support?

KOSGEB offers various grant, loan, and training programs to support entrepreneurs and SMEs. However, certain conditions must be met to benefit from these supports. The individuals and businesses eligible for KOSGEB support programs are as follows:

Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs who wish to start their own business can benefit from KOSGEB's support. However, they must first participate in KOSGEB's entrepreneurship training programs and successfully complete them. Among the supports offered to entrepreneurs are the Traditional Entrepreneurship Support Program and the Advanced Entrepreneurship Support Program, which include various financial and mentoring assistance.

Individuals Wishing to Start a New Business

Individuals with a business idea who wish to establish their own business can benefit from KOSGEB support. However, the business must be within one of the sectors supported by KOSGEB. New ventures can typically take advantage of grants and loans after preparing and getting approval for their business plans.

Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)

Existing SMEs looking to grow can benefit from KOSGEB support programs. The support provided to SMEs includes:

• Financial support for machinery and equipment purchases,

• Incentives for R&D and innovation projects,

• Domestic and international trade fair support,

• Marketing and branding support.

Innovators and R&D Project Developers

Individuals or businesses developing innovative ideas and conducting R&D activities can benefit from various KOSGEB incentives, such as the R&D, Product Development (Ür-Ge), and Innovation Support Program. These supports cover processes related to the development of new technologies, prototype production, and commercialization.

Entrepreneurs Operating in Business Development Centers (İŞGEM)

Business Development Centers (İŞGEM), supported by KOSGEB, are institutions that encourage the establishment and growth of new businesses. Entrepreneurs who establish companies in these centers can benefit from KOSGEB's financial and mentoring support with priority.

Entrepreneurs Collaborating with Universities

University students and academicians can participate in entrepreneurship programs organized in collaboration with KOSGEB and universities to benefit from various supports. These university-supported programs are typically designed to help students and graduates realize their business ideas.

Requirements to Benefit from KOSGEB Support

Being a Citizen of the Republic of Turkey

Only citizens of the Republic of Turkey can benefit from KOSGEB support. Foreign nationals are not eligible for these supports.

Being at Least 18 Years Old

Applicants must be of legal age, meaning they must be at least 18 years old.

Completing KOSGEB Entrepreneurship Training

KOSGEB offers Traditional Entrepreneurship Training and Advanced Entrepreneurship Training, particularly for individuals wishing to start a new business. These training programs provide knowledge on the business establishment process and enable entrepreneurs to benefit from support programs.

• These training programs are offered free of charge.

• Training can be taken online via KOSGEB’s e-Academy platform or in person through certain institutions and organizations.

• Individuals who successfully complete the training are entitled to receive a participation certificate.

Owning a Legally Established and Operating Business

KOSGEB support is only provided to officially established businesses. The business must:

• Have a tax certificate,

• Be registered with the Chamber of Commerce or the Chamber of Tradesmen and Craftsmen,

• Conduct its activities within the legal framework.

New entrepreneurs can apply for KOSGEB support after establishing their businesses.

Being Registered in the KOSGEB Database and Completing the SME Declaration Approval

To benefit from KOSGEB support, businesses must first register in the KOSGEB database. For this:

• A registration must be created on KOSGEB’s official website.

• Business information must be entered into the system completely.

• The SME declaration must be filled out and approved. This declaration is necessary to determine whether the business qualifies as a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME).

Application Methods

Individuals and businesses wishing to apply for KOSGEB support can do so in two ways:

• Through KOSGEB’s Official Website: Applications can be submitted via the website.

• Through E-Government (E-Devlet): Applications can be completed through the KOSGEB services section on the turkiye.gov.tr platform.

Who Cannot Benefit from KOSGEB Support?

Certain individuals and businesses are ineligible for KOSGEB support based on specific criteria:

• Entrepreneurs lacking their own capital or financial resources.

• Businesses operating in sectors not supported or restricted by the World Bank.

• Businesses with tax or social security debts.

• Individuals who have not completed entrepreneurship training.

• Those attempting to obtain support through family business transfers or title changes.

Conclusion

KOSGEB is a crucial institution that promotes entrepreneurship and supports SMEs in Turkey. Individuals wishing to benefit from these supports must meet specific requirements. Being a citizen of Turkey, being at least 18 years old, completing KOSGEB entrepreneurship training, and owning a legally operating business are the basic prerequisites for application. Additionally, registering in the KOSGEB database and approving the SME declaration are essential steps in the process.

Applications can be easily submitted through KOSGEB’s official website or the E-Government system. Entrepreneurs who apply with the correct information and documents can access financial and educational support, providing them with the opportunity to grow their businesses. Completing this process properly will help entrepreneurs establish their businesses on a stronger foundation.