SMB

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

Training events are being conducted within the framework of the Business Partnership Programme 35 "Startup" Certificates have been issued during the elapsed period of the current year For the attention of entrepreneurs operating in the Gabala and Ismayilli Districts! 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

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