This article is about a Turkish program. KOSGEB is Türkiye’s government agency that supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and e-Devlet is the national e-government portal. If you plan to start a business in Türkiye, the KOSGEB Entrepreneurship Certificate is one of the first documents you will hear about. Rules and support programs change, so always check KOSGEB’s current announcements before applying.
We explain what the certificate is and what it is for, the two training types (traditional and advanced), how to get it step by step, whether the training is paid, how long it takes, the support programs it can unlock (business start-up and business development), who can apply, how to register, why NACE codes matter, whether e-commerce and dropshipping businesses can apply, support for women and young entrepreneurs, and what to do afterwards.
What Is the KOSGEB Entrepreneurship Certificate?
An electronic certificate of participation showing that you completed the Traditional or Advanced Entrepreneur Training offered by KOSGEB.
What Is the Official Name of the Certificate?
It is issued as an Entrepreneurship Training Participation Certificate.
What Is KOSGEB Entrepreneurship Training?
Online training that teaches the basics of starting and running a business: business ideas, market and target audience, finance, planning and legal basics.
Types of KOSGEB Entrepreneurship Training
Traditional Entrepreneur Training
The basic course for people at the start of the entrepreneurial path. It can document the training you must complete before applying for the Business Start-up Support.
Advanced Entrepreneur Training
A deeper course that meets the training condition for applying to the Business Development Support.
Traditional vs. Advanced
| Traditional | Advanced | |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Basic | In-depth |
| Linked support | Business Start-up Support | Business Development Support |
What Is the Certificate For?
It doesn’t pay money by itself. It can be one of the conditions for applying to suitable support programs, and it shows you have completed formal entrepreneurship training.
How to Get the KOSGEB Entrepreneurship Certificate
- Log in to KOSGEB’s online training system with e-Devlet.
- Choose the training type and complete the modules.
- Pass the evaluation, if there is one.
- Download the certificate through e-Devlet.
How to Log In to KOSGEB e-Akademi
Through the KOSGEB e-Akademi platform using your e-Devlet credentials.
Is the Training Paid?
No. KOSGEB’s online entrepreneurship training is free.
How Many Hours Does It Take?
The length depends on the training type and the current program; check the details on the platform.
Is There an Exam?
Check the current program details on the platform.
Where Is the Certificate Obtained?
After you complete the training, the Entrepreneurship Training Participation Certificate can be queried through e-Devlet.
Is It Issued Immediately?
Check the platform for processing times after completion.
Can You Set Up a Company Before Getting the Certificate?
The training can be taken before the business is set up. At the support application stage, a registered business meeting the program’s conditions is needed. See how to set up a company.
Does the Certificate Guarantee Support?
No. Sector, NACE code, business age, partnership structure, project and other application conditions are assessed separately.
KOSGEB Support Programs
Entrepreneur Support Program
The umbrella program for new and growing businesses.
Business Start-up Support
- Establishment support.
- Personnel expense support.
Who Can Apply for Business Start-up Support?
Entrepreneurs who have completed the Traditional training and meet the program’s conditions.
Business Development Support
For existing businesses that want to grow, requiring Advanced training.
Who Can Apply for Business Development Support?
Businesses meeting the program’s age, sector and other conditions.
Start-up vs. Development Support
| Start-up support | Development support | |
|---|---|---|
| For | New businesses | Established businesses |
| Training | Traditional | Advanced |
Is a Business Plan Needed for KOSGEB Support?
Support applications usually require a business plan or project description; follow the program’s guidance.
How to Apply to KOSGEB
Register in the KOSGEB database, complete your profile and applications, and follow the program steps.
What Is the NACE Code and Why Does It Matter?
The NACE code classifies your business activity. Many support programs apply only to certain codes, so the code you choose matters.
Does KOSGEB Support Every Business Idea?
No. Eligibility depends on the program and the sector.
Can E-Commerce Businesses Get KOSGEB Support?
It depends on current program rules. See how to start e-commerce, capital needed for e-commerce and what is e-commerce software.
Can Dropshipping Businesses Apply?
Check program rules; see dropshipping.
Can Software Companies Get Support?
Depending on the program and NACE code, they may.
Is There Extra Support for Women Entrepreneurs?
Some programs offer additional conditions for women and young entrepreneurs; check current program details.
Who Is a Young Entrepreneur?
Defined by the age range in the program rules.
Certificate Questions
- Does it expire? Check the current rules.
- Can it be transferred to someone else? No; it is issued to the person who completed the training.
- Can several certificates be used in one company? Check the program’s partnership rules.
What to Do After Getting the Certificate
Refine your business idea, define your target audience, plan marketing and your website. See what is a target audience, marketing strategy, B2B business model, what is B2C, how to make a website and digital transformation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the KOSGEB entrepreneurship certificate?
An electronic certificate of participation showing completion of the Traditional or Advanced Entrepreneur Training offered by KOSGEB.
How is it obtained?
Log in to KOSGEB’s online training system with e-Devlet, complete the relevant modules and download the certificate through e-Devlet.
Is the training free?
Yes. KOSGEB’s online entrepreneurship training is free.
Do I need a company to get the certificate?
The training can be taken before a business is set up. At the support application stage, a registered business that meets the program’s conditions is needed.
Does the certificate earn money?
No. It doesn’t directly earn or pay money. It can be one of the conditions for applying to suitable support programs.
Does everyone with the certificate get KOSGEB support?
No. Sector, NACE code, business age, partnership structure, project and other application conditions are assessed separately.
Is the certificate visible in e-Devlet?
After the training is completed, the Entrepreneurship Training Participation Certificate can be queried through e-Devlet.
What is the traditional certificate for?
It can document the entrepreneurship training that must be completed before applying for Business Start-up Support.
What is the advanced certificate for?
It meets the training condition required to apply for Business Development Support.
