Those who want to start a business can access repayable, non-repayable, interest-free or low-interest loans. Banks that provide business-startup loans offer entrepreneurs special credit packages with favorable interest rates. Institutions such as KOSGEB, TKDK and SYDV provide grant and non-repayable support for entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurs who need capital to start a business should choose the appropriate institution to apply to for loans or incentives based on the sector in which they will operate.
Loans are offered to prospective business owners so new enterprises can survive, to encourage new entrepreneurs and revive markets, to train entrepreneurs with skills in ethics and business management, and to raise overall market quality.
Which Institutions Provide Loans for Starting a Business?
Examples of places that offer business-startup loans are listed below:
- Public and private banks provide business-startup loans to SMEs and individual applicants.
- KOSGEB, TKDK, SYDV and the Ministry of Family and Labor offer incentives to those who want to start businesses.
- There are also supports provided through the Ministry of Family and Social Policies, Development Agencies and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
Banks That Provide Loans for Starting a Business
Banks offering startup loans provide urgent cash support to those who want to open new workplaces. Some banks offer government-backed financing, while others provide tailored loan packages that may require collateral or guarantors.
Interest rates and lending conditions vary between banks. For this reason, applicants should research which bank offers the most suitable loan before applying.
The banks that commonly provide business-startup loans include:
- İş Bankası
- Akbank
- Halkbank
- QNB Finansbank
- Ziraat Bankası
- Vakıfbank
- Garanti BBVA
- Türkiye Ekonomi Bankası
- Odeabank
- Yapı Kredi Bankası
Conditions Banks Require for Business-Startup Loans
Common conditions that banks request for business-startup loans are as follows:
- Applicants must have a verifiable monthly income.
- Applicants should have a good credit score and must not be on a bank’s blacklist.
- Documents related to the planned business must be submitted.
- Banks may request mortgage or guarantor. If a guarantor is required, the guarantor must also meet the bank’s criteria.
- Properties to be mortgaged must not have shared-title deeds.
Halkbank Business-Startup Loan Opportunities
Halkbank offers a range of loan packages, including low-interest and interest-free options. For individuals with master craftsperson certificates planning to operate in traditional trades, Halkbank may provide interest-free loans. Special rates are also available for young entrepreneurs.
There are many support packages such as Bold Entrepreneur, Master Craftsman and Young Inventor support. Within these entrepreneur support packages, loans up to 400,000 TRY can be provided with terms up to 4 years.
Required documents for Halkbank business-startup loans;
- Applicant’s identity document.
- Chamber of tradesmen/merchant registration certificate.
- Trade registry excerpt (esnaf sicil tasdiknamesi).
- Copy of the tax plate (tax registration certificate).
Ziraat Bank Business-Startup Loan Conditions
Ziraat Bank’s business financing is directed especially toward farmers and producers in the agricultural sector, but there are also low-interest and interest-free options that can meet the needs of many other sectors. While there are not always loans explicitly labeled “new workplace” loans, the bank provides consumer and business loans that allow entrepreneurs to cover startup capital needs, including some state-supported programs.
Ziraat Bank offers long-term repayment options and has programs that include government-backed financing.
Advantages offered by Ziraat Bank to entrepreneurs include:
- Up to six months deferred repayment for certain cash support programs
- Special support for exporters and those engaged in foreign trade
- Benefits for SMEs with dedicated bank cards
- POS device support for member businesses
- Insurance and guarantee services
Vakıfbank Business-Startup Loan Details
Vakıfbank provides both secured and unsecured startup loans. Special limits and workplace credit supports are available for applicants with business plans approved by KOSGEB. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to repay the loan.
Insurance is required during the loan repayment period. Preliminary applications for business-startup loans can be made through Vakıfbank’s website and digital banking channels.
Support Offered by İş Bankası to Prospective Entrepreneurs
İş Bankası’s startup financing includes four dedicated support credits for those who want to start their own business:
- Workup Entrepreneurship Program
- Women Entrepreneur Support
- Franchising Loans
- Technology Entrepreneur Package
Applicants seeking loans from İş Bankası are usually required to open a one-year term or demand deposit account. Loan applications can be made at İş Bankası branches or via the İŞCEP mobile application.
How to Get a Loan to Start a Business from Akbank
Akbank does not specifically label loans as “business startup” loans, but it is possible to take an unsecured personal loan and use it to start a business. To obtain sufficient funding, applicants typically need a strong credit score, an existing demand deposit account at Akbank, and use of internet banking.
Akbank can provide loans up to 50,000 TRY with repayment terms up to 36 months for prospective entrepreneurs.
TKDK Incentive Programs for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
TKDK incentives are financed by the state and the European Commission and are administered through the Agriculture and Rural Development programs. These supports are offered as grants in many cases and target sectors such as agriculture, livestock, health, manufacturing, education and technology.
The grants provided under TKDK are often non-repayable and address investment needs in specified sectors. Eligible sectors for TKDK support include:
- Red meat production
- Egg production
- Poultry meat production
- Milk and dairy product production, processing and marketing
- Renewable energy investments
- Aquaculture and fisheries
- Processing and marketing of red meat products
KOSGEB Business-Startup Loan Conditions
KOSGEB loan conditions for starting a business include the following:
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- Support is available to Turkish citizens.
- All business partners must meet KOSGEB’s eligibility criteria.
- Applicants must prepare a business plan and submit it to KOSGEB for approval.
- Applicants who completed KOSGEB’s entrepreneurship training and obtained a certificate must establish their business within two years of certification.
- Those without entrepreneurship training are generally required to be registered with an incubation center (İŞGEM).
- The applicant must own at least 50% of the business to apply.
- The business should not be transferred from a close relative.
- After receiving KOSGEB support, the business is monitored and must operate for at least three years. During this period, fixed assets cannot be sold or leased.
Documents Required for KOSGEB Business-Startup Loans
Required documents for KOSGEB entrepreneurship loan applications include:
- Identity documents of applicants (national ID, passport or driver’s license with a national ID number).
- Identity documents of all business partners.
- KOSGEB entrepreneurship certificate.
- An approved business plan prepared in accordance with KOSGEB training guidelines.
- Address registration documents of the business.
- Proof of residence (ikametgah).
- Tax plate, annual income statements and balance sheets of the business, if applicable.
- Notarized signature circulars of business partners.
- Licenses and permits required to operate the business.
- Chamber registration certificate for the workplace.
- Current SME declaration (KOBİ beyannamesi).
- Invoices for expenditures incurred during the business setup must be submitted with the application.
- If the workplace is rented, a rental agreement is required; if owned, the title deed should be provided.
Steps to Apply for KOSGEB Business-Startup Loan
The steps to apply for a KOSGEB business-startup loan are:
- Log into the e-Government (e-Devlet) portal and register the business under the Business Registration section so it is recorded in KOSGEB’s database.
- Ensure business information is complete and accurate, and keep the SME declaration up to date.
- Complete the applied entrepreneurship training and obtain the certificate.
- Prepare a detailed business plan.
- Download, complete and sign the Support Request Declaration from KOSGEB’s website, collect all required documents and submit them to the provincial or district KOSGEB office.
- After submission, KOSGEB officials review the application and the business plan.
- If the documents and plan meet requirements, the approved support is transferred to the applicant’s account.
How Much Support Does KOSGEB Provide?
KOSGEB entrepreneurship support amounts vary depending on the business idea and program. Typical limits include:
- Up to 150,000 TRY grant for businesses established as sole proprietorships; up to 60,000 TRY for companies under certain programs (traditional entrepreneurship grants).
- Advanced entrepreneurship programs can provide grants up to 375,000 TRY.
- For loan support, depending on technology level: about 100,000 TRY for low–medium, 200,000 TRY for medium–high and 300,000 TRY for high-technology projects.
- Up to 90% of certain eligible costs may be covered by grants.
- Support of up to 10,000 TRY is available for mentorship, consultancy and business coaching.
KOSGEB Application Status Inquiry
To check a KOSGEB loan application status, follow these steps:
- Access the national e-Government portal.
- From the list of institutions, select the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Organization (KOSGEB).
- You can query business registration status, submit new applications, or file appeals if a previous application was rejected. Applications to KOSGEB support programs can also be initiated through the e-Government system.
Can New Business Owners Benefit from KOSGEB Support?
New entrepreneurs and newly established firms can benefit from KOSGEB’s interest-free or low-interest support to a certain extent. Applicants should first complete the KOSGEB application process. If KOSGEB support is insufficient, applicants may also apply to banks for additional workplace financing.