UNDP and French Embassy delegations visited Kahramanmaraş to unveil the results of the Business Continuity Support Program in earthquake-affected provinces and engage with women entrepreneurs 

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Türkiye Resident Representative Monica Merino and French Ambassador Isabelle Dumont visited Kahramanmaraş on 13 March 2025 to announce the results of the business continuity support program in the provinces most affected by the earthquake.

The business continuity support program, which is being implemented by UNDP with the financial support of the Government of France and in cooperation with the Confederation of Turkish Tradesperson and Craftsperson (TESK) in the provinces most affected by the devastating earthquakes, aims to support small businesses owned by women and/or persons with disabilities, as well as common-use facilities in Adıyaman, Hatay, Kahramanmaraş, and Malatya.

The program provides financial support in two specific categories to contribute to the earthquake recovery efforts by restoring livelihoods and ensuring that no one is left behind.

A total of 1,217 applications were received from businesses in Adıyaman, Hatay, Kahramanmaraş, and Malatya, along with 29 applications from chambers and unions for common-use facility projects. Following a rigorous evaluation process, 208 small businesses led by women and persons with disabilities were selected for financial support. Among them, 72 are from Kahramanmaraş, 68 from Hatay, 51 from Malatya, and 17 from Adıyaman. Additionally, under the second category of the program, the establishment and refurbishment of nine common-use facilities will be supported, empowering chambers and unions to enhance collaboration, improve service delivery, and create greater market opportunities for women and persons with disabilities.

The delegation also visited the Women's Business Development Centre (KİGEM), established with the support of the Government of France in cooperation with the Kahramanmaraş Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KMTSO), which aims to create a dynamic and inclusive environment that supports the empowerment of women entrepreneurs and provide training and mentorship opportunities. During the visit, Merino and Dumont met with women entrepreneurs who reinitiated their businesses through this center. Serving as a model for the earthquake-affected region, KİGEM is set to play a key role in increasing the number of women entrepreneurs and strengthening economic resilience for women. 

The visit brought together high-level officials from the public institutions, local authorities, representatives from chambers, unions, and businesses in Kahramanmaraş to support economic recovery by revitalizing small businesses in the aftermath the earthquakes.