"Green businesses" play a significant role in achieving sustainable production and increasing resource and energy efficiency. Entrepreneurs' "green projects" are supported through various state support mechanisms, including the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (SMBDA).
Entrepreneurs with "green projects" can apply to SMBDA for support tools such as grants, "Startup" certificates, conducting market research, training, and access to exhibitions.
To date, SMBDA has allocated grants to 19 projects that can contribute to the development of "green projects" and the transition to a "green economy" for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Nearly 10 "Startup" certificates have also been issued. The grants, totaling over 338,000 manats, support various projects such as the production of charging stations and chargers capable of generating electricity from renewable energy sources, the development of necessary software for this purpose, efficient extraction of electricity and heat energy from low-temperature geothermal waters, reduction of energy consumption in buildings using smart polymer composite materials, the creation and practical investigation of "smart irrigation" technologies, support for obtaining the ecological R2 (Responsible Recycling) certification, the production and sale of innovative water generators to extract water from the atmosphere, and the intelligent collection and processing of waste, as well as the development of new types of wind energy turbines. Additionally, "Startup" certificates have been issued to SMEs for projects that involve the creation of alternative drinking water sources, production of proteins, oils, and high-efficiency fertilizers from organic waste for use in feed production, and the development of smart water-storing materials to increase irrigation efficiency in agriculture.
Based on the requests of entrepreneurs, internal market research has been conducted regarding the recycling and disposal of medical waste.
At the same time, the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (SMBDA) has provided training and consulting services to entrepreneurs related to the "green economy." In 2024 alone, the Agency organized training sessions, seminars, and awareness-raising events on topics such as "Green Economy and Green Business," "Green Financing," and "Opportunities, Challenges, and Prospects for the Development of Green Innovations," with the participation of nearly 140 SMEs in Baku, as well as the Lankaran, Sheki, and Khachmaz districts.
Support has also been provided for showcasing entrepreneurs' green projects at various exhibitions and fairs organized and supported by the Agency.
Incidentally, a self-assessment platform (https://yb.smb.gov.az/ ) has been created by the Agency for business entities to measure their environmental impact and evaluate the efficiency of resource use. By registering on this platform and answering relevant questions, businesses can assess how efficiently they use energy and water, manage waste, and impact the environment. This allows them to identify weak points and take necessary measures to address them.
