KOSGEB support programmes, what is actually in force

KOSGEB is the public body running support programmes for small and medium sized businesses and for entrepreneurs in Türkiye. For an SME scale company it is the first place to look.

One caveat matters more than anything else here: KOSGEB restructured its support architecture. A large share of the programmes people have known for years were closed, replaced by schemes built around credit and a support point subsidy. Most of the content circulating online still describes the closed programmes.

Programmes that were closed

Listed by KOSGEB itself as repealed:

• Business Development Support Programme
• KOBİGEL SME Development Support Programme
• R&D, Product Development and Innovation Support Programme
• Traditional Entrepreneur Support Programme
• Advanced Entrepreneur Support Programme
• Business Cooperation Support Programme
• Overseas Market Support Programme
• SME Technology Investment Support Programme
• Industrial Application, SME Energy Efficiency, Rapid Support for Micro and Small Enterprises, and Guidance and Consultancy programmes

Pages quoting the old ceilings of these programmes still rank well in search. When planning an application, check the date on the source.

Programmes in force

Most programmes are call based, so which one is open has to be followed through KOSGEB announcements.

The Entrepreneur Support Programme

This is the main door for anyone starting a business. It has three components.

1. Business start up support. Non repayable. Covers formation costs and, under defined conditions, personnel costs. Different amounts apply to sole traders and to capital companies, with additional support for women, young, disabled, veteran and martyr relative entrepreneurs. The application has to be filed within one year of incorporation.

2. Business development support. Mostly repayable. Limited to defined activity codes, with manufacturing and software and information services inside the scope. The application is filed within three years of incorporation.

3. Interest or profit share support. Runs through a loan. A guarantee institution's guarantee is mandatory, and the applicant has to clear a jury score threshold and be a woman or a young entrepreneur.

The mandatory step: training

Traditional entrepreneur training must be completed before applying for start up support, and advanced entrepreneur training before business development support. Both are free on KOSGEB's online learning platform. Do not leave the training until the call period.

Shareholding condition

The entrepreneur's share in the business cannot fall below a defined ratio for the life of the programme. If a change in ownership is planned, check it first.

Preconditions

KOSGEB registration. The business has to be registered in the database.

A current SME declaration. Confirms you meet the SME definition on headcount and financial size. An outdated declaration stops the application at the first step.

Debt position. Programmes set their own conditions on tax and social security debt.

Activity code. Some programmes are limited to specific activity codes, and the registered activity has to match the actual one.

The application

1. Registration and updating the SME declaration
2. Completing entrepreneurship training where required
3. Identifying the open call and the right programme
4. Preparing the project or application form
5. Collecting quotes for budget lines
6. Completing documents and uploading the application
7. Evaluation and, where required, a presentation to the committee
8. Decision, contract and delivery

Non repayable payments are generally made against expenditure documents. You spend first, submit the documents, and receive the support afterwards.

Common mistakes

Planning around a closed programme. The one we see most. A budget built on old ceilings has nothing behind it at filing.

Not updating the SME declaration. The simplest and most frequent obstacle.

Skipping the training. In entrepreneur programmes it is a precondition for filing.

Spending before applying. The eligible expenditure period starts on a specific date.

Including ineligible lines. Land, vehicles, repayment of existing debt and second hand equipment fall outside most programmes.

Missing the reporting calendar. Interim reports have to be filed on time after support is granted.

Sources and currency

This guide follows the KOSGEB Support Programmes Regulation (Official Gazette, 13 January 2024), KOSGEB's published programme pages and the Entrepreneur Support Programme implementation principles. Last reviewed 23 September 2026. Programme content and ceilings change by executive committee decision, so verify the current implementation principles before filing.

Next step

An eligibility screen is enough to see which programme fits. Working from enterprise size, activity code, incorporation date and the planned investment, we produce that table. The assessment is free.