Up to 3.5 Million TL Grant Funding for New Business Ideas through the 2026 Entrepreneurship Support Programme

A new funding opportunity is available for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to start their own businesses and turn their ideas into reality. The 2026 Entrepreneurship Project in the TRNC combines training, consultancy and non-repayable grant support to encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to establish successful and sustainable businesses.

Implemented by the Cyprus Turkish Investment Development Agency (YAGA), the programme has a total budget of 50 million TL and offers different funding limits for technology-driven and innovative business ideas and traditional business activities. Depending on the nature of their business ideas, entrepreneurs may benefit from non-repayable grant funding ranging from 500,000 TL to 3.5 million TL, covering up to 75% of eligible costs.

Higher Grant Support for Technological and Innovative Business Ideas

The programme supports the establishment of new businesses under two priority areas.

Under the first priority, which focuses on technological, innovative and value-added business ideas that contribute to the TRNC economy, entrepreneurs may receive grants ranging from TL 500,000 to TL 3,500,000. The second priority supports traditional business ideas, offering grants between TL 500,000 and TL 2,000,000.

Under both priorities, grant funding can cover 75% of eligible project expenditure, while the remaining 25% must be financed by the entrepreneur.

The programme supports personnel costs, the purchase of new machinery and equipment, digital infrastructure investments and certain general operating expenses. Eligible digital infrastructure costs include artificial intelligence credits, cloud hosting services, software directly related to business operations and measurable digital advertising expenses. General operating expenses are eligible up to a maximum of TL 150,000.

The implementation period for supported projects is 12 months, with the possibility of a one-off extension of up to six months where justified.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is designed for individuals born in 1991 or later who wish to establish a new business and are either TRNC citizens or individuals holding valid residence and work permits in the TRNC.

Individuals who are currently employed may also apply. However, they must terminate their existing employment by the time the grant agreement is signed. Applicants who already own a business may also apply under certain conditions, provided that they close their existing business or transfer all their shares before signing the grant agreement.

The programme primarily aims to support the establishment of new businesses rather than the expansion of existing ones. Successful applicants must establish their businesses in the TRNC and maintain an ownership share of at least 50% in the newly established enterprise.

From Training to Business Planning and Grant Funding

The 2026 Entrepreneurship Project goes beyond financial assistance by providing a structured development process that helps aspiring entrepreneurs refine their ideas and build sustainable business models.

During the first stage, participants attend online training sessions covering entrepreneurship and team management, marketing and sales, strategic business planning and financial planning. All training sessions are provided free of charge.

Participants who successfully complete the training stage become eligible for one-to-one consultancy support, helping them transform their business ideas into strategic business plans and financial projections. At this stage, entrepreneurs are expected to demonstrate the feasibility of their business models, market potential and financial sustainability.

Following the consultancy stage, eligible business plans are submitted to an evaluation committee. Entrepreneurs whose business plans are approved by the committee become eligible to receive grant funding.

How Does the Application Process Work?

Aspiring entrepreneurs must submit their applications online through https://girisimcilik.kei.gov.tr. The application process requires candidates to complete an Entrepreneurship Support Application Form and an Entrepreneur Questionnaire.

Applications are assessed based on the applicant's entrepreneurial characteristics, the commercialisation potential of the business idea and the extent to which potential risks have been identified and analysed.

The programme also provides for the possibility of additional evaluation points for women entrepreneurs, entrepreneurs with disabilities, businesses to be established in designated priority regions and technology-based business ideas.

Applicants are advised to follow the official communication channels of YAGA and KEİ for the application timetable and the latest announcements regarding the call.