Call for Proposals: Start Up Grant Scheme (Turkey)

Deadline: 19-Jun-2026

The ENHANCER PRO Start-Up Grant Scheme is a European Union–funded entrepreneurship programme implemented by ICMPD to support new business creation in Türkiye. It provides up to €30,000 per applicant to help entrepreneurs—especially Syrians under Temporary Protection, persons under International Protection, and Turkish citizens—launch or expand innovative businesses. The scheme focuses on job creation, economic inclusion, and strengthening local entrepreneurship ecosystems.

The programme is designed to reduce early-stage business barriers by funding essential startup costs such as registration, equipment, rent, and salaries, while promoting inclusive economic growth and social cohesion.

Overview

The ENHANCER PRO initiative is a structured entrepreneurship development programme aimed at strengthening inclusive economic growth in Türkiye through business creation and expansion.

It supports:

• New business establishment and start-ups
• Business expansion and scaling
• Innovation and market adaptability
• Employment generation and job creation
• Strengthening local entrepreneurship ecosystems
• Socio-economic integration of diverse communities

The programme is especially focused on provinces with high refugee populations to encourage regional development and stability.

Funding and Implementation Framework

The programme is:

• Funded by: European Union (EU)
• Implemented by: International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD)
• Institutional partners:
  • Ministry of Industry and Technology of the Republic of Türkiye
  • Directorate General for Development Agencies

ICMPD manages administrative, financial, and operational aspects of the grant scheme.

Total Budget and Grant Size

• Total indicative programme budget: €3,000,000
• Maximum grant per applicant: up to €30,000

Funding is awarded to eligible entrepreneurs based on business feasibility, impact, and alignment with programme objectives.

Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)

The programme is open to natural persons who are:

• Turkish citizens, OR
• Syrians under Temporary Protection, OR
• Persons under International Protection

Additional eligibility requirements:

• Applicants must directly manage and implement their business idea
• Must propose a viable and sustainable business model
• Must operate in selected provinces in Türkiye
• Must demonstrate entrepreneurial intent and capability

Programme Objectives (Why It Exists)

The ENHANCER PRO Start-Up Grant Scheme aims to:

• Promote inclusive economic growth
• Support entrepreneurship development
• Increase employment opportunities
• Strengthen self-reliance among beneficiaries
• Encourage innovation and scalability in business
• Improve skills, knowledge, and entrepreneurial experience
• Support integration of diverse communities into the economy
• Strengthen local value chains and regional economies

What the Grant Can Fund

Funding is designed to support early-stage business setup and operational needs, including:

• Business registration and legal setup costs
• Work permits and administrative fees
• Employee salaries (where applicable)
• Business equipment and machinery
• Office or shop rental costs
• Accounting and financial services
• Marketing, branding, and promotional activities

The grant specifically targets startup-phase barriers that prevent businesses from becoming operational.

How the Programme Works

1. Applicant develops a business idea aligned with local market needs
2. Application is submitted under ENHANCER PRO guidelines
3. Business proposal is evaluated for feasibility, innovation, and impact
4. Selected applicants receive grant funding support
5. Entrepreneurs implement and manage their business directly
6. Monitoring and reporting ensure compliance and progress tracking

Key Focus Areas of Supported Businesses

The programme encourages ventures that are:

• Innovative and scalable
• Job-creating and labour-intensive
• Locally integrated into supply chains
• Economically sustainable
• Capable of long-term growth and competitiveness

Impact and Development Importance

This grant scheme plays a significant role in:

• Supporting refugee and host-community economic integration
• Reducing unemployment in high-demand regions
• Strengthening small and emerging enterprises
• Encouraging private sector development
• Building resilient local economies
• Enhancing social cohesion through shared economic participation

Start-ups supported under the programme are expected to contribute directly to regional development and workforce expansion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting non-viable or unclear business ideas
• Not demonstrating direct involvement in business management
• Ignoring local market conditions in Türkiye
• Proposing businesses without scalability or sustainability
• Missing required eligibility documentation (citizenship/protection status proof)
• Weak financial planning or unrealistic cost structures

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who funds the ENHANCER PRO Start-Up Grant Scheme?
It is funded by the European Union and implemented by ICMPD.

2. How much funding can an applicant receive?
Each eligible applicant can receive up to €30,000.

3. Who is eligible to apply?
Turkish citizens, Syrians under Temporary Protection, and persons under International Protection.

4. What types of businesses are supported?
Start-ups focused on innovation, job creation, and scalable economic activities.

5. What costs can be covered by the grant?
Business setup costs, equipment, rent, salaries, permits, accounting, and marketing.

6. Is prior business experience required?
Not strictly, but applicants must demonstrate entrepreneurial capability and a feasible business plan.

7. Where must the business be located?
In selected provinces across Türkiye under the programme’s geographic scope.

Conclusion

The ENHANCER PRO Start-Up Grant Scheme is a major entrepreneurship support initiative designed to promote inclusive economic growth in Türkiye. By offering up to €30,000 in funding, it enables aspiring entrepreneurs from diverse communities to overcome early-stage financial barriers, build sustainable businesses, and contribute to employment creation and regional economic development.

For more information, visit ICMPD.