KOSGEB entrepreneur support: who can apply and how

Financing is the biggest worry for most founders. Public support can ease this burden by offering funding and training without taking equity. KOSGEB is one of the public institutions in Turkey running support programmes for small and medium enterprises and entrepreneurs. In this guide we cover the general logic of entrepreneur support, application preparation and the elements of a successful business plan. Because programmes, limits and conditions change often, always verify current terms from the institution's official announcements.

What does entrepreneur support cover?

Although programmes change over time, they generally fall under these headings:

1. Training: Entrepreneurship, business plan and business management courses.
2. Consulting and mentoring: Expert support.
3. Financial support: Non-repayable or repayable support for specific expense items.
4. Machinery, equipment and office costs: Support for set-up investments.
5. Interest or credit support: Easier access to financing.

Who can apply?

Eligibility varies by programme. Generally these are checked:

• Eligibility conditions of the entrepreneur or company owner
• Company formation date and type
• Activity area and sector fit
• Prior use of support
• Completion of required training

Read the programme's "eligibility" section carefully before applying.

Application process (general frame)

1. Choose a programme: Identify the one fitting your startup's stage and need.
2. Register electronically: An entrepreneur profile is usually created in an online system.
3. Training: Some programmes require entrepreneurship training.
4. Prepare the business plan: A detailed business plan for the project is prepared.
5. Apply and evaluation: The application is submitted; experts and a committee evaluate.
6. Result and contract: If accepted, a support contract is signed.
7. Implementation and reporting: Expenses are made, documented and reported.

The steps and timings differ by programme; see the current guide.

Elements of a successful business plan

Evaluators review many files; a clear, realistic and measurable plan makes the difference.

1. Summary: Problem, solution and expected result.
2. Problem and customer: Who has which problem? Back with data.
3. Product or service: Your solution and difference from rivals; see competitor analysis.
4. Market: Target market size; see TAM SAM SOM.
5. Revenue model and price: How will you earn? See pricing.
6. Marketing and sales plan: How will you reach customers?
7. Operations and team: Who does what?
8. Financial projection: Income-expense, cash flow and break-even; see the financial model.
9. Budget: Items for which support is requested, with justification.
10. Risks: Possible risks and mitigations.

For the general structure see our business plan guide, and for writing the application see our grant application guide.

Application readiness checklist

• I have read the current programme guide.
• I meet the eligibility conditions.
• My business plan rests on realistic numbers.
• Budget items fit the expense types the programme allows.
• All documents are complete and current.
• Application dates and deadlines are in my calendar.

Common mistakes

• Applying with outdated information: Programme terms may have changed.
• Unrealistic sales forecasts: Evaluators spot inconsistency immediately.
• A budget inconsistent with the plan
• Missing documents: One of the most common causes of delay and rejection.
• Treating support as the only financing source: Consider alternatives; see grants and support programmes and TÜBİTAK BiGG.

Obligations after support

After receiving support, keep expense documents in order, track reporting deadlines and comply with programme terms. Non-compliant expenses can create a repayment risk. For bookkeeping, see accounting and tax basics.

FAQ

Can I apply without a company? Some programmes target pre-incorporation entrepreneurs while others require a company; see the current guide.

Is the application paid? The application itself is generally free, but verify terms with the programme.

Is support repayable? It varies by programme; there can be both non-repayable and repayable types.

Conclusion

With proper preparation, public support can give your startup an important start. Verify current terms from the official source, prepare your business plan with realistic numbers and do not leave the application to the last day. For other parts of the entrepreneurship ecosystem, see the Turkey startup ecosystem guide.