SMB

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

Reception of entrepreneurs to be held in Imishli Meeting Held with Entrepreneurs in Yardimli region Meetings with entrepreneurs were held in the regions Which Services Did Entrepreneurs Use Most in 2025 Entrepreneurs’ Appeals Were Heard Azerbaijani Products Attracted Great Interest at the International Halal Exhibition Held in Mecca Seminar Held for Entrepreneurs on Amendments to the Tax Code Roundtable Organized with the Participation of Azerbaijani and Ukrainian Business Circles “Startup” Certificates Issued to 8 More SMB Entities Dialogue with Entrepreneurs: Nearly 140 Meetings and Public Discussions, More Than 30 Enterprise Visits

In 2025, 59 micro and small entrepreneurs obtained tax incentives for innovative projects 27.01.26

Projects granted the “Startup” Certificate cover areas such as financial, educational and healthcare technologies, e-commerce and digital marketing, digital payment systems, and other fields.

In 2025, 125 micro and small business entities applied to the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBIA) to obtain a “Startup” Certificate. Based on the “Criteria for Determining a Startup” approved by the Decision of the Cabinet of Ministers dated 29 January 2021, the Expert Council adopted a decision to grant the “Startup” Certificate to 59 SME entities. Of the certificate holders, 48 are legal entities and 11 are individuals; 53 are micro entrepreneurs and 6 are small entrepreneurs.

44 startups are based in Baku, while 15 operate in the regions. Ten of the certificate holders are women entrepreneurs, and four of the projects qualify as “green projects.”

Business entities that received the “Startup” Certificate operate in the manufacturing and service sectors. The main focus areas of the startups include innovative solutions in financial, educational and healthcare technologies, e-commerce and digital marketing, digital payment systems, and other related fields.

Overall, from the start of issuing “Startup” Certificates in 2021 until 1 January 2026, 493 applications were submitted to KOBIA, of which 247 were granted a “Startup” Certificate.

It should be noted that the “Startup” Certificate exempts SME entities from profit or income tax on revenues generated from innovation activities for a period of three years starting from the date the certificate is granted. Decisions on granting or refusing the “Startup” Certificate are made by KOBIA based on the opinion of the Expert Council. The Expert Council operates under the Agency and consists of 12 members, including representatives of various state authorities and independent experts.

Micro and small business entities may apply to KOBIA for a “Startup” Certificate.

For more information: https://smb.gov.az/az/nav/startap-sehadetnamesi