Throughout 2024, KOBIA presented the "Dayaq" award to 15 business entities that adopted innovative and modern approaches in their operations, produced export-oriented products and services, stood out for their active investment activities, and made significant contributions to fostering employment.
Taking into account the contribution of entrepreneurs to the national economy, the "Dayaq" award has been presented to business representatives for three consecutive years. Established in 2022 by the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBİA), the "Dayaq" award aims to encourage companies with awards that apply innovative and modern approaches in their operations, produce export-oriented products and services, stand out for their active investment activities, and make significant contributions to fostering employment, as well as to highlight the achievements of entrepreneurs, promote a business mindset, and strengthen relationships between the public and private sectors. The symbolic "Dayaq" award also signifies the state's steady support for entrepreneurs.
An event was held with the support of the Ministry of Economy and organized by KOBİA to present the "Dayaq" award to entrepreneurs for 2024. The event, attended by the representatives of public entities, members of parliament, entrepreneurs, and the representatives of international organizations, commenced with playing the national anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan and observation of a minute silence to honor the memory of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the territorial integrity of our territories.
In their speeches at the event, Sahil Babayev, Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population, and Elnur Aliyev, First Deputy Minister of Economy, highlighted the achievements in the social and economic sectors, the private sector, the role of entrepreneurs in driving employment in 2024, and the upcoming innovations in the fields of economy and entrepreneurship in the years to come. In their speeches, Nigar Arpadarai, Member of Parliament, Mammad Musayev, President of the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) Organizations of Azerbaijan, and Orhan Mammadov, Chairman of the Management Board of KOBİA shared their insights on legislative initiatives in the field of entrepreneurship, the role of SMBs in sustainable and steady economic development, green transition, and public-private collaboration. Subsequently, the "Dayaq" awards in the various categories were presented to 15 successful entrepreneurial entities of 2024 the heads of public entities. Entrepreneurs were awarded in the following categories: "Tourism," "Active foreign company," "Active export company," "Successful farmer," "Young entrepreneur," "Successful female entrepreneur," "Investor of the year," "Disability is not limitation," "Innovative solutions," "Successful startup," "Successful company in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic," "Halal business," "Successful business in the liberated territories," "Promotion of the green business," and "Clean environment and green growth". Additionally, the Azerbaijan Land Transportation Agency was awarded by KOBİA in the "Efficient Organization of G2B services" category at the SMB houses.
Within the framework of the event, grant awards were presented to 20 winners of the 6th grant competition announced by KOBİA for financing SMB projects in the fields of education, science, research, and support. It is worth noting that 6 grant competitions were held to support financing SMB projects in the fields of education, science, research, and support up to date and within the framework of those competitions, totally, 1.7 million manats in grant funding has been allocated to 99 SMB projects.
