SMB

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

HELF and AZHAB Forums Held in Baku During the 51st Annual Meetings of the Islamic Development Bank Group Startup Competition Launched Within the Framework of the IsDB Annual Meetings HELF/AZHAB Forum 2026 to Be Held Within the Framework of the IsDB Group Annual Meetings in Baku A meeting with entrepreneurs was held in the Khizi district For the attention of micro and small entrepreneurs wishing to present their products and services at the “Local Companies Promotion Exhibition!” ANNOUNCEMENT An online meeting of the Management Board of the CICA Business Council was held What is the support amount paid for conducting an internal market study and on what basis is this amount determined? The appeals of entrepreneurs from the Gazakh–Tovuz economic region were heard A service desk of the Ministry of Agriculture has started operation at the Khudat Service Center of the “Khachmaz SME House”

In the first quarter of the current year, 16 “Startup” certificates were issued to entrepreneurs 20.04.26

Out of the entrepreneurs who received the “Startup” certificate, 10 are from the city of Baku and 6 are from the regions.

In January–March 2026, 29 micro and small entrepreneurs applied to the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBİA) 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 decided to issue “Startup” certificates to 16 micro and small entrepreneurs. Of the entrepreneurs who received the certificate, 10 are legal entities and 6 are individuals. Out of the startups, 10 are from the city of Baku and 6 are from the regions. Business entities that received the “Startup” certificate operate in production and service sectors, and the main directions of the startups include innovative solutions in areas such as e-commerce and digital marketing, healthcare technologies, online game development, travel and tourism services, digital payment systems and others.

It should be noted that the “Startup” certificate exempts SME entities, from the date of obtaining the certificate, from profit tax or income tax on income derived from innovation activities for a period of 3 years. The decision on the issuance or refusal of the “Startup” certificate is made by KOBİA on the basis of the opinion of the Expert Council. The Expert Council consists of 12 members under the Agency, including representatives of various state bodies and independent experts. Micro and small business entities may apply to KOBİA to obtain a “Startup” certificate. For detailed information: https://smb.gov.az/az/nav/startap-sehadetnamesi