AccessBank announces the successful completion of the "Bizdən Biznesə" startup competition, organized in partnership with the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBIA).

Following the announcement of the competition on October 24, more than 500 applications were received over the course of a month. The jury selected 20 projects that met the criteria of innovation, creativity, sustainability, and profitability. Seven projects advanced to the final stage.
The winners, as decided by the jury, are: Khayala Mirieva, who took first place with her "Climasel" cooling panels project; Rafik Mirzayev, awarded second place for his project on converting agricultural and food waste into alternative animal-based proteins and fats; and Fidan Alisoy, who claimed third place with her beeswax coatings project.

"The conclusion of the “Bizdən Biznesə” competition is an important milestone for us. We are proud to contribute to the country’s economic development and to support entrepreneurs in bringing their business ideas to life. AccessBank has always been committed to fostering business growth, and we are confident that initiatives like this open up new opportunities for startups. Given the success of this competition, we plan to make it an annual tradition," said Davit Tsiklauri, Chairman of the Management Board of AccessBank.

As part of the competition, the winners received financial prizes to help implement their business plans: 25,000 AZN for first place, 20,000 AZN for second, and 15,000 AZN for third. The prizes can only be used in non-cash transactions, and the winners will also be exempt from fees for all domestic banking transactions through AccessBank for one year.