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

Business projects that have received the "Startup" Certificate are developing 10.07.26

The total turnover of SME entities that received the "Startup" Certificate in 2025 increased by approximately 2 times, while the average number of employees increased by 18%.

A positive dynamic is being observed in the activities of entrepreneurial entities that have received the "Startup" Certificate. Based on the conducted analysis, it has been determined that business activities have expanded and employment opportunities have increased in a number of startups. The conducted analysis covering 59 SME entities that received the relevant document in 2025 shows that their total turnover increased from 3.2 million manats in 2024 to 6.1 million manats in 2025, increasing by approximately 2 times. During this period, the average number of employees at the relevant enterprises increased from 183 to 216 persons, which means an increase of 18%.

The projects in which an increase in turnover and the number of employees was recorded are mainly startups operating in the fields of e-commerce, digital platforms, artificial intelligence, transport and logistics, tourism, as well as the digitalisation of business processes. The startups that received the relevant document introduced a number of innovative products and services to the market. Some startups attracted investments from local and foreign investors.

These indicators demonstrate that the "Startup" Certificate has a positive impact on the formation of innovative businesses, the increase of employment and the expansion of the economic activity of startups.

It should be noted that entrepreneurial entities that have obtained the "Startup" Certificate are exempt, in accordance with the Tax Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, from profit tax and income tax on income derived from innovation activity for a period of 3 years. The "Startup" Certificate is issued by the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBİA). To date, the "Startup" Certificate has been issued to 282 SME entities by the Agency.