Disaster and risk preparedness trainings were organized. I Can Manage My Business Program met with SMEs in Denizli

Focusing on SMEs to acquire the knowledge and skills they need to realize their growth potential, the last event of the fourth term of ‘I Can Manage My Business’ was held in Denizli. A panel titled “Green Transformation and Importance of Businesses” was held at the event, where trainings were provided on the prevention of non-structural risks, preparedness for disasters and risks, and financial resilience against these risks.

Denizli, 17 March 2023 – I Can Manage My Business Program, which was implemented in 2019 in partnership with the Turkish Enterprise and Business Confederation (TÜRKONFED), Visa and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), with the support of 30 banks and e-money institutions, was held across Turkey. continues to reach the business world with comprehensive trainings.

The last event of the program this term, which was organized to support SMEs in gaining knowledge and skills, was held in Denizli, hosted by the South Aegean Industry and Business Federation (GESIFED). Representatives of public and non-governmental organizations as well as SMEs participated in the event.

Oktay Mersin: “Earthquakes showed us that we need to increase the resilience of our businesses”

Starting his speech by commemorating those who lost their lives in the earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş and causing heavy destruction in 11 provinces, TÜRKONFED Vice Chairman of the Board and Chairman of the GESİFED Board of Directors Oktay Mersin said, “This shocking disaster reminds us of the importance of disaster and crisis management and the necessity of increasing the resilience of our businesses for the continuity of economic activities. demonstrated once again. It is more important than ever to increase the resilience of SMEs, which are the main power of the economy, to reduce the risks that may arise in the event of a possible disaster or crisis, and to ensure the rapid recovery of our sectors. This result requires a rapid and collective series of actions, movements and cooperation.”

“We can achieve our goals by focusing on the potential of our SMEs”

Saying that as TÜRKONFED, they have been carrying out various studies since 2018 to ensure that businesses are prepared and resilient against crises and disasters, especially earthquakes, Mersin continued as follows; “We work with a focus on value with inclusive collaborations so that our SMEs are prepared for these challenges and adapt to the digital, green and social transformation processes in the new century of our Republic. I Can Manage My Business Program also increases the value created by our SMEs, which are the main dynamo of our economy, and guides their transformation journeys in this period. We believe that all goals can be achieved if we focus on the potential of our Anatolian region and our SMEs, which we see as the driving force of sustainable development.”

Hakan Urhan: “I Can Manage My Business, It enables SMEs to seize new business opportunities”

TÜRKONFED Board Member and DEGİAD Board Chairman Hakan Urhan shared the following information about Denizli’s economy; “Denizli; It is an industrial city with diversity in all sectors of industry, production, agriculture and tourism. 70% of home textile products exported from Turkey are produced here. 87 kinds of agricultural products are sent to 83 countries. With its travertine reserve, geothermal resources and cultural heritage, it is among the leading cities not only of our country but also of the world. In addition to Pamukkale, another sector that has been on the rise in recent years is vineyard tourism. On the other hand, our technocity, where 120 companies operate, adds value to our city and country with its academic, economic and social structure. I Can Manage My Business Program makes significant contributions to SMEs to find new business opportunities in this diversity and to increase their economic power.”

Information about the new period was given

After the opening speeches, TÜRKONFED Secretary General and Board Member Arda Batu introduced the new term of the I Can Manage My Business Program.

Disaster and risk preparedness training was given to SMEs

In the first event, which was held after the earthquakes that caused heavy destruction in 11 provinces centered in Kahramanmaraş, trainings were given on the versatile preparation of SMEs for disasters and risks. Kocaeli University Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Şerif Barış organized a hands-on training themed “Preparing Businesses for Disaster and Risks” after the “Prevention of Non-Structural Risks in Businesses” training. Istanbul University Faculty of Political Sciences Lecturer Prof. Dr. Serhat Yanık gave training on “Financial Resilience Against Risks in Businesses”.

In addition, TÜRKONFED Green Transformation Commission Chairman and Board Member Onur Ünlü, TÜRKONFED Green Transformation Commissioner Sultan Şalgam and ESCARUS (TSKB Sustainability Consultancy Inc.) General Manager Dr. The “Green Transformation and Importance of Businesses” panel was held with the participation of Kubilay Kavak.

Reached over 4,000 SMEs in four years

Leaving behind four years, the program has reached over 4,000 SMEs so far with training in finance, digital marketing, e-commerce, management strategies and branding in line with the needs of SMEs. More than 315 SMEs were provided with e-commerce and e-export infrastructure and digital marketing consultancy in the program, which also included digitalization, coaching and mentoring support in the areas needed by SMEs. International trade and e-export topics and the green transformation theme, with Akbank’s financial support, have been added to the training content recently.

The turnover of participating in the program increased by 66 percent

According to the social impact analysis conducted within the scope of the I Can Manage My Business Program, the turnover of SMEs participating in the trainings increased by 66 percent and their use of social media and digital marketing tools increased by 28 percent. More than 35 percent of them started to make a strategy and business development plan, and more than 20 percent of them started to set goals and follow them. In this process, 18.3% increase in finance and digitalization skills, 20.2% increase in management skills, 19.5% increase in self-confidence and motivation, and 17.4% increase in awareness were recorded.

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TÜRKONFED, which has more than 50 thousand companies over 30 federations and more than 300 national and international associations under its roof, provides 83 percent of the total (non-energy) foreign trade and approximately 55 percent of the registered employment outside of agriculture and public sector with its member base. Istanbul, Western Anatolia, Marmara and Central Anatolia, Thrace, Western Black Sea, Central Black Sea, Central Anatolia, Northern Anatolia, Eastern Black Sea, Central Anatolia, Southern Aegean, Eastern Marmara, Western Mediterranean, Eastern Mediterranean, Southern Marmara, Çukurova, Northern Marmara, Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia, Southeast, Zafer, İpekyolu, Cappadocia, Mevlana, Doğu, Serhat, Dicle and Fırat Industrialists’ and Businessmen’s Federation, as well as the Federation of Sectoral Associations, the Fashion and Ready-made Clothing Federation, and the Construction Products Manufacturers Federation are members of TÜRKONFED. TÜRKONFED is a member of the European SME Union (SMEunited), which is the umbrella organization of European SMEs and represents 12 million companies and 55 million employees.

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