Minister Göktaş stated that he believed that this would be the beginning of new success stories in the program held in a hotel in Şişli with the cooperation of Halkbank. Stating that today the business world is rapidly transforming and sectors are digitalizing with great acceleration, Göktaş said, "Traditional ways of working are being replaced by flexible, innovative and technology-oriented business models. In such a backdrop, all areas of the economy are being reshaped with trends in production and trade. In this new era, activating the entrepreneurial power of women paves the way for sustainable growth." he said.
Minister Göktaş explained that when women's labor and ideas are transformed into enterprises, production increases, employment strengthens, local development accelerates and social welfare increases. Pointing out that today, women's entrepreneurship has turned into a force that directs innovation, exports and economic growth in many countries of the world, Göktaş emphasized that the "Global Entrepreneurship Monitor" data clearly reveals this rise.
Göktaş underlined that women's entrepreneurial activities increased in 19 of the 47 countries examined, and pointed out that Türkiye is among the countries where women have an increasing say in entrepreneurship. Stating that the rate of female entrepreneurs, which was 13.1 percent in 2002, increased to 18 percent in 2025, Göktaş said, "The number of female entrepreneurs reached 1 million 230 thousand. This table reveals the success of women in transforming their knowledge, labor and talents into economic value. The businesses established by women increase the production capacity of our country, strengthen its exports and brand value. We are expanding the women's entrepreneurship ecosystem all over our country to carry this success further." he said.
Göktaş stated that they aim to prepare an inclusive ecosystem where women have a greater say in the sectors of the future and lead innovative business models. Stating that one of the concrete steps of this is the "Rising Women: My Own Business, My Trace" program, Göktaş said, "With this program, we provide training to our female entrepreneurs in the fields of branding, digitalization, e-commerce, communication and team management. We bring them together with expert trainers on financial, legal processes, company establishment and access to finance. We provide the opportunity for role models and experienced entrepreneurs to benefit from their experience." he said. Minister Göktaş noted that 69 percent of the participants stated that they felt more competent in entrepreneurship after the training.
Stating that 53 percent of the participants stated that they prepared business plans or developed new collaborations, Göktaş said, "80 percent of women emphasized that their level of knowledge about access to finance has increased, while 56 percent stated that access to finance has become easier. We see all these gains as the beginning of a future in which women will lead economic life all over our country." made his assessment.
Göktaş pointed out that their goal is to transform this emerging potential into new businesses, strong partnerships and employment opportunities, and emphasized that in line with this goal, they bring training in this scope to entrepreneurial women in different regions of the country with the "Entrepreneurship Training Truck".
"We believe that a woman achieving her dream will not only change her own life," said Göktaş, adding that this will raise the hopes of children, increase the welfare of families, and strengthen the future of society.
Minister Göktaş said, "In this path where women write their own success stories, our biggest supporter is undoubtedly our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. With this support, we are implementing policies that pave the way for women in every field in our 2024-2028 Women's Empowerment Strategy Document and Action Plan. We are reaching more women every day with our public institutions and private sector collaborations. With the 'Women's Move in Sustainable Development', equal opportunities between men and women are being implemented by institutions in the private sector." We make it an integral part of our culture." he said.
Göktaş stated that they contributed to the transformation of women's cooperatives into stronger and more sustainable structures by supporting them at every stage from production to marketing, and in this context, they have reached approximately 247 thousand people by providing support to 1367 women's cooperatives so far, and that they will continue their support for women entrepreneurs to be pioneers in new sectors and shape the business models of the future, with the vision of "10 Years of Family and Population".
Göktaş said, "Sales channels are diversifying and reaching new markets becomes easier. Thus, a product you produce where you are can reach a customer far away. An idea you develop can turn into a business that crosses borders. I believe that you, too, will take advantage of these opportunities and give a new impetus to entrepreneurship in Türkiye." he said.
"WE STAND BY OUR PROMISE TO STAND BY WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS"
Halkbank Deputy General Manager Ömer Emeç said that the family structure strengthened by women's productivity forms the basis of a solid society and a sustainable future. Stating that women's participation in the workforce and entrepreneurial courage play a decisive role in the economic development of the country, Emeç said, "As a public bank, we see supporting women's entrepreneurship as one of our primary areas of responsibility. We stand behind our promise to stand by women entrepreneurs. The numbers confirm this." he said.
Stating that they have provided 140 billion liras of financing to approximately 280 thousand women entrepreneurs since 2021, Emeç said: "One in every 3 loans used by women entrepreneurs in Türkiye has our bank's signature. We not only provide financing to women who want to establish and grow their businesses. With our Halkbank Producing Women Meetings, we hold meetings that make the potential of women entrepreneurs visible, increase their cooperation and help them gain new perspectives. The sixth term application process is ongoing." Our 'Productive Women' competition has become one of the biggest brands of the entrepreneurship ecosystem."
