2025
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Client's Name
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Founded in 1938 with the mission of supporting tradesmen, artisans, and SMEs, Halkbank has become one of Turkey’s most established and respected financial institutions. Over its 87-year history, the Bank has played a pivotal role in advancing both the banking sector and the national economy, consistently aligning its operations with the country’s socio-economic needs.
Today, approximately 99.8% of businesses in Turkey are SMEs, accounting for 72.4% of employment and 50.4% of turnover in the manufacturing sector. Meanwhile, the country faces significant structural challenges: 25.5% of youth are neither in education nor employment (NEET), and female labor force participation remains at just 36.4%. According to TUIK, only 41% of startups survive beyond their first five years, mainly due to limited access to financing, low financial literacy, and insufficient entrepreneurial support mechanisms.
Yet the potential is immense. Turkey ranks 3rd among upper middle-income countries in entrepreneurial activity, according to the 2023 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor. Recognizing this opportunity, Halkbank positions entrepreneurship as a key pillar of inclusive economic growth. By bolstering entrepreneurial capacity across all demographics, particularly women and youth, Halkbank seeks to unlock sustainable development, economic participation, and national resilience.
Credits
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VENKATAKOTA SIVAKUMAR KOPPARAPU
Category
Business Technology Solutions - Cloud Solution
Country / Region
United States
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KH Marque Pte Ltd
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Sustainability - Sustainability Leader of the Year
Country / Region
Singapore
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NATALIYA BILCHENKO
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Executives & Professionals - Entrepreneur of the Year
Country / Region
Poland
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Gravity Global
Category
Marketing - Business to Business
Country / Region
United Kingdom