AccessBank, a strong advocate for entrepreneurship development in Azerbaijan, announces the successful conclusion of its third Access2Success project, designed to support women entrepreneurs. The initiative was implemented with the support of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), which also emphasizes the importance of fostering private entrepreneurship in Azerbaijan.

This year, 50 carefully selected women entrepreneurs participated in the program, expanding their skills in business management, sales and marketing, emotional intelligence, leadership, and gaining valuable insights into the legal aspects of running a successful business. All training sessions were led by experienced and highly qualified professionals in their respective fields.

“We are proud to continue the Access2Success project for the third consecutive year, and we are pleased to see its tangible impact on women entrepreneurs in Azerbaijan. It is also worth noting that approximately 20% of AccessBank's loan portfolio is comprised of loans issued to women entrepreneurs, who have established themselves as reliable borrowers. The Access2Success project is conducted annually, and our goal is to continue supporting the growth of women-led businesses and ensuring equal opportunities for business expansion. We are confident that this initiative plays a key role in building a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem and contributes to the country's economic growth,” said Davit Tsiklauri, Chairman of the Board of AccessBank.

“The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has approved a 2025 strategy for Azerbaijan focused on economic diversification, the development of a competitive private sector, a shift towards a ‘green’ economy, and improved regional connectivity. One of the priorities is to support businesses led by women and youth. Given that women lead only 23% of businesses in Azerbaijan, we see substantial potential to increase their contribution to the economy. Our collaboration with AccessBank in providing business skills training for women entrepreneurs is critical. I would like to congratulate the women who successfully completed the program,” - said Serpil Çetinçift,  regional principal manager for Türkiye and Azerbaijan, SME finance & development, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

The first Access2Success project was launched in 2022, with around 200 candidates applying for participation. Of those, 53 individuals who met the eligibility criteria took part. The second Access2Success program was carried out in 2023, with 50 women selected from over 250 applicants. During the five-week Access2Success program, the participants were trained in strategic business development, crisis management, reporting to government authorities, sales, marketing, e-commerce, human resource management, and business control.

The Access2Success initiative aims to help women overcome barriers such as limited access to finance, a lack of business education, and obstacles to professional development. The program will continue to provide participants with the necessary resources and knowledge to successfully manage businesses and build robust business networks on an annual basis.