SMB

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

WUF13 Hosts Awareness Event for Entrepreneurs Rwandan Delegation Familiarized with the SMB House Model A survey is being conducted among startups “Türkiye–Azerbaijan Trade Delegation and B2B Meetings” event was held 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

The Most Active Entrepreneurs of 2025 Have Been Awarded 18.12.25

In 2025, the “Dayaq” Award was presented to 17 business entities distinguished for applying innovative and modern approaches in their operations, producing export-oriented goods and services, demonstrating active investment activity, and contributing to employment generation.

The most active entrepreneurs operating across various sectors of the economy in 2025 were honored at an award ceremony held under the slogan “Strength Lies in Business”. The event was organized by the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBIA) with the support of the Ministry of Economy. The ceremony brought together more than 300 participants, including business leaders, startup representatives, members of business associations, members of parliament, and representatives of state institutions.

The event commenced with the performance of the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan, followed by a one-minute moment of silence in commemoration of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country’s territorial integrity.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Population Anar Aliyev emphasized that the development of entrepreneurship plays a crucial role in job creation and improving public welfare. He highlighted that as a result of five social reform packages implemented since 2018 under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, significant increases have been achieved in social payments, while the number of employment contracts rose by 45%, or 595,000, with 92% of this growth attributed to the private sector. The Minister further noted that during the 2018–2025 period, the wage fund increased by 3.2 times, including a 3.6-fold increase in the non-state sector. He stated that more than 2.1 million individuals were covered by active employment measures implemented by the Ministry during this period. Anar Aliyev also emphasized that a sustainable social partnership system has been established in Azerbaijan, ensuring the protection of employees’ rights while simultaneously safeguarding the interests of entrepreneurs. In this context, he highlighted the signing of the General Collective Agreement between the Cabinet of Ministers, the Azerbaijan Trade Unions Confederation, and the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan, as well as the successful activities of the Tripartite Commission on Social and Economic Issues. Concluding his remarks, the Minister underlined that measures aimed at supporting entrepreneurship contribute both to improving citizens’ welfare and to overall economic development, and he congratulated the recipients of the “Dayaq” Award.

Speaking at the event, First Deputy Minister of Economy Elnur Aliyev provided an overview of the economic outlook for 2025 and the development indicators of the private sector. It was noted that as a result of reforms implemented under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, the country’s economic environment has been significantly improved, the competitiveness of entrepreneurs has increased, Azerbaijan’s international standing has been strengthened, and a favorable climate for attracting foreign investment has been created. As a result of policies aimed at developing the non-oil and gas sector, which is one of the key priorities of economic policy, this sector recorded an average annual growth rate of 6.7% during 2021–2024, and its share in the economy rose to 68%, currently exceeding 70%. Non-oil exports have nearly doubled over the past six years. Owing to the implementation of advanced ideas, the application of public-private partnership mechanisms, and ongoing reforms, the share of the private sector in the economy has reached 81.4%. In recent years, one of the state’s main priorities has been the reconstruction of the liberated territories and ensuring the return of internally displaced persons to their native lands as swiftly as possible. Cooperation between the public and private sectors has also demonstrated positive results in this area, with businesses actively participating in the Great Return process.

In their remarks, Mammad Musayev, President of the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) Organizations of Azerbaijan, and Orkhan Mammadov, Chairman of the Board of KOBIA, shared their views on the growing role of SMEs in sustainable and inclusive economic development, as well as on the importance of state-private sector cooperation.

Subsequently, the “Dayaq” Awards were presented to 17 entrepreneurial entities that achieved success in 2025. Entrepreneurs were honored across the following nomination categories: “Successful Business in the Liberated Territories,” “Disability Is Not a Limitation,” “Investor of the Year,” “Successful Woman Entrepreneur,” “Development of Tourism in the Country,” “Innovative Solutions,” “Environmental Responsibility,” “Successful Manufacturer,” “Active Exporting Company,” “Halal Business,” “New Breath, New Image,” “Successful Startup,” “International Impact of National Business,” “Textiles – Professional Excellence,” “Development of Communication Services,” “Success in Agriculture,” and “Successful Business in Nakhchivan.”

Within the framework of the event, a panel discussion titled “2026: The Challenge for SMEs” was organized. Moderated by Ilgar Mehti, Chief Executive Officer of Equita, the panel featured Ganira Ibrahimova, PhD in entrepreneurship ecosystems; Elgar Baghirov, Director of Times Consulting; Nasimi Khasiyev, Director of the Department for Work with Small and Medium Enterprises at Kapital Bank OJSC; and Hajiagha Haji, founder of the Hesabat.az, CIB Business, and TechLaw.az projects. The speakers shared their views and proposals on the key challenges facing SMEs, emerging opportunities, state support mechanisms, and innovative approaches.

At the same time, the winners of the 7th grant competition announced by KOBIA for financing SME projects in the areas of education, science, research, and support were introduced during the event. It was noted that, to date, seven grant competitions have been held to support the financing of SME projects in these fields. Within the framework of the 7th grant competition, a total of AZN 525,000 was allocated to 30 SME projects, while across all competitions conducted so far, more than AZN 2.2 million in grant funding has been allocated to 129 SME projects.

In addition, successful entrepreneurs of 2025 shared their success stories, startups presented their innovative projects, and a thematic film on entrepreneurship was screened during the event.

It should be noted that, in recognition of the contribution made by entrepreneurs to the national economy, the “Dayaq” Award has been presented to business representatives for four consecutive years. Established by KOBIA in 2022, the purpose of the “Dayaq” Award is to raise broader public awareness of the achievements of entrepreneurs who form the backbone of the economy, to promote an entrepreneurial mindset, and to further strengthen cooperation between the public and private sectors. The award highlights the value created by entrepreneurs in the areas of sustainable development, innovation, and social responsibility. The “Dayaq” Award is not merely an expression of gratitude to entrepreneurs; it is also a call for businesses to move toward new initiatives and greater ambitions, and a clear demonstration of the state’s continued support for entrepreneurship.