16 startups granted certificates in Azerbaijan in Q1 2026
In Azerbaijan, 16 micro and small entrepreneurs were granted a “Startup” certificate in the first quarter of this year.
According to the Small and Medium Business Development Agency, a total of 29 micro and small entrepreneurs applied for the certificate between January and March 2026. Of those who received the certificate, 10 are legal entities and 6 are individuals.
Among the certified startups, 10 are based in Baku, while 6 operate in the regions. These businesses are active in both production and service sectors. Their main areas include e-commerce and digital marketing, health technologies, online game development, travel and tourism services, digital payment systems, and other innovative solutions.
It should be noted that the “Startup” certificate exempts small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from profit or income tax on revenues generated from innovation activities for a period of three years starting from the date of issuance.
Decisions on granting or rejecting the certificate are made by KOBIA based on the opinion of its Expert Council, which consists of 12 members representing various government institutions and independent experts. Micro and small entrepreneurs can apply to KOBIA to obtain the “Startup” certificate.