A major Turkish bank has secured a landmark $1 billion financing package aimed at supporting women-led businesses across the country, in a move hailed as a significant step toward economic inclusion and gender equity.
The funding, arranged through a consortium of international development finance institutions and commercial lenders, will be directed specifically toward small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) owned or operated by women. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to close the gender gap in Turkey’s entrepreneurial landscape.
“We are proud to lead this transformative effort,” said the bank’s CEO in a statement. “Empowering women in business is not just a social imperative—it’s an economic one. This financing will provide critical capital, training, and resources to help women-led enterprises grow and thrive.”
The funds will be disbursed through a combination of low-interest loans, capacity-building programmes, and technical assistance, with a focus on underserved sectors and regions where female entrepreneurs face the greatest barriers.
According to the World Bank, only about 15% of SMEs in Turkey are led by women, with access to finance remaining a primary obstacle. The new funding is expected to directly benefit thousands of businesses and create ripple effects across communities by boosting employment and innovation.
International partners involved in the financing package include the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and several regional investment funds, all of which emphasized the importance of inclusive economic development.
Women’s rights advocates and business leaders welcomed the move, calling it a “game-changer” for female entrepreneurship in the region.
The initiative is set to roll out in phases starting later this year, with full implementation expected by mid-2026.
