During the past period of this year, nearly 300,000 services were provided to entrepreneurs at SME houses operating in Baku, Khachmaz, and Yevlakh.
Entrepreneurs require support and services at various stages of their activities. To improve the state services provided to businesses, ensure easy and convenient access to these services, and increase entrepreneur satisfaction, SME houses have been established within the structure of the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (SMEDA) under the Ministry of Economy. Providing services in a unified location at SME houses saves entrepreneurs' time and reduces operational costs. The transparent and efficient organization of services enhances entrepreneur satisfaction and makes the service level measurable.
During the past period of this year, nearly 300,000 services were provided to entrepreneurs at SME houses operating in Baku, Khachmaz, and Yevlakh. Of these services, about 268,000 were provided by state institutions, while over 32,000 were provided by private entities.
During this period, entrepreneurs mostly applied to SME houses for permits for cargo transportation, distinguishing signs, tachograph cards, certificates of origin, tax and customs matters, utility services, and more.
The satisfaction level of entrepreneurs with the services is 98%.
Observations indicate that entrepreneurs' applications and interest in SME houses are increasing.
It is not coincidental that this year, the SME house model of Azerbaijan was selected as an innovative initiative in the competition held by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development's (OECD's) Observatory of Public Sector Innovation (OPSI) (https://oecd-opsi.org/innovations/single-support-service-model-for-smes-sme-house/ ).
The international organization evaluates the integration and coordination of the capabilities of state and private entities in a unified space—SME houses—as a unique model to contribute to the development of the SME sector. Experts from the center associate the innovation of the SME house model with factors such as the provision of comprehensive services supporting the development of SMEs and the presence of a flexible approach tailored to their needs.
The OECD’s Observatory of Public Sector Innovation (OPSI), established in 2011, is a global forum that supports the application and promotion of advanced innovations in the public sector. The center’s website features a section dedicated to sharing ideas and innovations since 2003. Here, information on the evaluation results of innovative initiatives from over 90 countries, including Azerbaijan, is recorded (https://oecd-opsi.org/case_type/opsi/ ).
Efforts to expand the coverage of SME houses are ongoing. The establishment of SME houses in the city of Khudat in the Khachmaz district and in Ganja is nearing completion.
