Where is the Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Going in Turkey?
Turkey’s entrepreneurship has gained such momentum in the last few years that we can say that a new Silicon Valley is emerging. Especially in big cities; Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir. Start-up culture has become a way of life among young people. Rapidly growing technology companies, international investment funds’ interest in the Turkish market and increasing public support are the cornerstones of this movement.
I think what is most striking in this environment is the young people who are starting startups as students. Universities are no longer just education centers, but also innovation centers where business ideas come to life. If you are interested in more details about Student Entrepreneurship and Start-up Support in Turkey, I suggest you check out this guide.
For foreign students, this ecosystem makes Turkey one of the few countries where they can both study and start a business. If you say “I have an idea but I don’t know where to start”, you are in the right place. Because in this article you will discover all the support you need for entrepreneurship in Turkey.
Organizations Providing Support to Entrepreneurs in Turkey
“There is support, but how do we get it?” is one of the most common questions I hear. Actually, the answer is very clear: Dozens of organizations actively provide support for entrepreneurship in Turkey. The most well-known are KOSGEB, TÜBİTAK and the Investment Office. Each of them has special support programs for different target groups and projects.
KOSGEB
KOSGEB’s Entrepreneur Support Program offers an additional ~$260 support to young, female, disabled or martyrs’ relatives entrepreneurs during the establishment phase. The total support amount can reach up to $39,500. You can also receive training and consultancy services during the business start-up process. Be sure to check the official KOSGEB page for current application dates.
TUBITAK BiGG
Turkey’s 1512 BiGG program is more technology-oriented. In this program, entrepreneurs are provided with technical training, mentorship and capital support. Especially if you have engineering or software-based projects, this program will be a godsend. To participate in the program, you must be a university graduate or graduate candidate.
Investment Support Offices
The Investment Support Offices across Turkey provide guidance to local and foreign entrepreneurs who want to start a business. They offer accelerated services in project consultancy, regional incentives and permitting processes.
Special Supports for Young and Women Entrepreneurs
In Turkey, entrepreneurship is not only for those with large capital. Thanks to the positive discrimination provided especially for young people and women, many people have succeeded in establishing their first company. These supports include many items such as grants, interest-free loans, mentoring and office space.
Women Entrepreneurs Under 40
Subsidies for women entrepreneurs usually offer 80% reimbursable assistance. The upper limit is approximately $39,500. These supports focus on women who want to start businesses in areas such as retail, e-commerce, tourism and education. It is possible to access the announcements through the Official Platform for Women Entrepreneurs.
Young Entrepreneurs
Young entrepreneurs receive additional support from KOSGEB. If you are under 30 and starting a business for the first time, you can receive ~$260 in addition to the start-up support. There are also special acceleration camps and free online trainings for this group. All details about this support are available on KOSGEB’s young entrepreneurship page.
In addition, in our Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programs in Turkey article, we have discussed in more detail the special projects for young entrepreneurs.
How Much is the State Support for Starting a Business?
In Turkey, entrepreneurship is more than just an idea, as there is significant financial support for realizing this idea. The support offered by the state is generally divided into grants (non-refundable) and refundable support. Each has different conditions, application processes and limits.
Grant and Reimbursable Supports
Entrepreneurs can receive support starting from ~$2,600 up to ~$39,500 depending on the type of project. Within the scope of KOSGEB’s “Business Development Support”, if you are accepted after submitting your project, the state can cover up to 80% of your expenses. This figure can be higher in technology, production and export-oriented jobs.
Where Support Can Be Spent
Rent can be used for a wide range of expenses, including rent, machinery and equipment, software licenses, promotional expenses and staff salaries. However, documentary proof of expenses is mandatory. So no matter how good your idea is, you need a good business plan and financial projection to get support.
What Are the Requirements for KOSGEB’s Young Entrepreneur Support?
When it comes to entrepreneurship in Turkiye, young people hold a special place. The government sees this group as the employers of the future and offers several advantages to support them. So, what does it take to benefit from these supports?
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for KOSGEB’s young entrepreneur support, applicants must be under the age of 30, must not have previously been a taxpayer (i.e., have not run a business before), and must complete an approved entrepreneurship training course offered by KOSGEB. These trainings are usually delivered online and last a few weeks.
Application Process and Key Considerations
After completing the training, you need to register in the KOSGEB database and upload your business plan. If your plan is approved, you may receive initial startup funding (around $260), along with additional support totaling up to approximately $13,000 for various business expenses. However, it’s important to remember that there will be a follow-up audit process—your expenditures must be documented properly.
Some young entrepreneurs also choose to get consultancy support during this process. If you want to move forward with fewer mistakes, it may be beneficial to explore these services as well.
It’s Time for Entrepreneurship in Turkey!
I can say this clearly: Entrepreneurship in Turkey is more accessible than ever, especially for young people and international students. As long as you know what you want, do your research and make good use of support mechanisms.
If you’re still wondering “where to start”, that’s where Road to Study comes in. We are planning the right steps together for those who want to get an education and start a startup in Turkey.
Now that you have an idea, you are young, and now that you are reading this, you are motivated. So why don’t you make today a starting point?