The number of participants in the “Karabakh SMEs” project exceeded 200 in total, including 100 participants in 2025.

An event was held to present the results of the 2025 implementation of the “Karabakh SMEs” project, carried out through the joint partnership of the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBIA), the State Employment Agency under the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population, “Development Corporate” OJSC, and the National Center for Educational Technologies, with the financial support of PASHA Holding.

The event brought together representatives of relevant government institutions, business leaders, representatives of business associations, as well as war veterans, ghazis, and members of the families of martyrs involved in the project.

The event commenced with the national anthem of Azerbaijan, followed by a moment of silence to honour the sacred memory of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the territorial integrity of our country.

A video presentation reflecting the implementation of the “Karabakh SMEs” project in 2025 was then demonstrated.

The Minister of Labour and Social Protection of Population, Anar Aliyev, highlighted the extensive work carried out to support the families of martyrs and war participants. He noted that following Azerbaijan’s historic Patriotic War Victory achieved under the leadership of the President, Victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, the Ministry has provided 406,000 services to 132,000 individuals from among the families of martyrs and war participants. He further emphasized that 28,600 people were involved in active employment programs.

The Minister also spoke about active employment programs implemented in cooperation with employers for residents relocated to the liberated territories. He stated that 111,000 individuals have been involved in the self-employment program and emphasized that the “Karabakh SMEs” project plays a significant role in creating employment opportunities for the families of martyrs, war veterans, their relatives, and war participants. He expressed confidence that the project, implemented within the framework of social partnership, will continue contributing to employment and offered gratitude to KOBIA, PASHA Holding, and all individuals involved in the project.

Deputy Speaker of the Milli Majlis, Musa Gasimli, noted that the “Karabakh SMEs” project contributes to the development of small and medium enterprises in the liberated regions, as well as to the social welfare of ghazis and the families of martyrs. He stressed the importance of maintaining long-term support for the project and expanding its successful outcomes to other regions.

Chairman of KOBIA, Orkhan Mammadov, stated that the “Karabakh SMEs” project is an integral part of the nation’s support policy for participants of the Patriotic War. The project aims to enhance the social welfare and employment of war veterans, participants, their relatives, and families of martyrs. He highlighted that the project is also valuable in terms of establishing new business entities.

In 2025, the project covered Baku, Absheron, Sumgayit, Ganja, Goranboy, Mingachevir, as well as the cities of Fuzuli, Khankendi, Lachin, and Shusha.

A total of 100 participants received business and vocational training during the year. Those who successfully completed the training were provided with equipment relevant to their chosen fields within the self-employment program, and the process continues.

Since the project began in 2023, 220 individuals have participated to date.

The “Karabakh SMEs” project will continue to support the families of martyrs and war veterans in 2026.

A widow of a martyr and participant of the project, Sonakhanim Abbasova, founder of “Oxloff” bakery and confectionery house, and Rovshan Allahverdiyev, Deputy Director of “PASHA Holding” LLC, shared their impressions of the initiative.

A charity auction featuring paintings created by children of martyrs was also held as part of the event.

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