AccessBank has successfully concluded the “Bizdən Biznesə” startup competition for the second time. This year, in addition to the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBIA), the global company VISA joined the project as a partner.

The project, initiated by AccessBank with the support of KOBIA and additional financial contribution from VISA, aims to support innovative ideas, expand opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs, stimulate economic growth, and provide a platform for turning business ideas into reality. The “Bizdən Biznesə” competition enables participants to present their business plans, demonstrate creativity and entrepreneurial skills, and bring their ideas to life.

“We have been implementing the ‘Bizdən Biznesə’ project for the second year and are committed to making it a long-term initiative. Each year, we see that the submitted startup projects become increasingly innovative and compelling. While the competition was successfully held in its first year with the support of KOBIA, the involvement of the global company VISA as a partner this year further strengthens our confidence in the project’s sustainability. This cooperation has also allowed us to expand the competition, increase the prize fund, and raise the number of winners. For more than 20 years, AccessBank has supported the development of small businesses in Azerbaijan and is well aware of the challenges entrepreneurs face. Our goal is to help remove the barriers encountered by aspiring business owners,” said Davit Tsiklauri, Chairman of the Management Board of AccessBank.

The competition was announced on October 15, and more than 500 applications were received within one month. Based on evaluations by the jury using criteria such as innovation, creativity, sustainability, and profitability, 20 projects were shortlisted. At the second stage, 10 projects advanced to the final round.

According to the jury’s decision, the winners of the final round were Smarted Solutions (Safar Imanli) with the Smart Cart project, which took first place; Lumimex, awarded second place for its project focused on the production of coatings for solar panels; and Elshan Humbatov, who won third place with the Agritech Hydro Karabakh project. In addition, the project’s partner VISA awarded a special prize to Fidan Guliyeva for the Imaret Botanica project, which focuses on the production of natural cosmetic products.

Under the terms of the project, the winner of first place received a prize of AZN 25,000, second place — AZN 20,000, and third place — AZN 15,000. The special prize awarded by VISA also amounted to AZN 15,000. The prize funds may be used exclusively in non-cash form. In addition, the winners will be exempt from commission fees on all domestic banking transactions conducted through AccessBank for one year.

The organizers of the “Bizdən Biznesə” competition aim to further strengthen the startup ecosystem, foster the development of the entrepreneurial environment, and support young and innovative entrepreneurs.

Corporation, and other international organizations and investment funds. With 38 branch offices, including 14 in Baku and 24 in regions, AccessBank continues to offer accessible financing options for MSMEs. For more detailed information on the branch offices, please follow: http://bit.ly/accessbank-filiallar [2]

For more information on the services provided by AccessBank, call 151 or visit the website at www.accessbank.az [3]. You can also follow the bank's social media accounts on Facebook [4], Instagram [5], LinkedIn [6].

*AccessBank CJSC operates under license No. 245 dated 25 October 2002, issued by the Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The bank's Head Office is located at 3 Tbilisi avenue, Yasamal district, Baku city.