Government Support for Websites and E-Commerce in Türkiye

Is there government support for building a website or an online store? Short answer: sometimes. But which programme is open, who it covers and how much it pays change frequently. Before trusting an article that says 'KOSGEB website support is X TL', check its publication date; a programme from two years ago may be closed today.

So instead of describing a specific programme, we've gathered where to look, what applications typically may require and what to watch for when choosing a supplier for a supported project.

Why does support change so often?

Programmes open and close in line with budget cycles and economic priorities. One year digitalisation is the focus, the next it's exports or particular sectors. Many programmes work on a call basis: the application window stays open for a set period and then closes.

Eligibility criteria differ too: business size, activity code, region, founding date. A business may qualify for one programme and not another.

It's also important to understand the support model. Much of it works as reimbursement: you make the spending first, then apply with documents and receive the support. Check the programme text for the difference between a grant and repayable support. Plan your cash flow accordingly; don't assume the money will arrive right away.

Official sources to follow

The places to check for up-to-date information are clear. Look at these before intermediary sites:

• KOSGEB: support programmes and announcements for SMEs. Applications generally start with registration in the KOSGEB database via e-Devlet.
• Ministry of Trade: export support and support for e-exports. The support section of the ministry's website is a good starting point for current regulations.
• Development agencies: each region has its own agency, which opens periodic financial support programmes. Follow the announcements of the agency covering your province.
• Exporters' associations: e-export training, information and guidance on support applications.
• Chambers of commerce and industry: briefing sessions and email newsletters. This is often where you first hear about a new call.

You'll also see SME programmes from banks, but these are usually loan products, not support. Don't confuse the two.

A practical habit: subscribe by email to your chamber's newsletter and your development agency's announcements. Calls can stay open briefly, so hearing late can mean missing the application.

Programmes focused on e-commerce and e-exports

Looking at past programmes, one trend stands out: website and e-commerce costs appear more often as 'eligible expenses' in programmes focused on e-exports and digital transformation. Under the Ministry of Trade's export support, there have been periods when items such as membership of foreign marketplaces, e-commerce sites and digital marketing were supported. There have also been periods when some KOSGEB programmes included software and website costs among eligible expenses.

Finding a direct grant for a small online store that will only sell within Türkiye has been harder in most periods. Set your expectations accordingly.

In every case, what decides it is the 'eligible expenses' list in the programme text. If websites aren't explicitly listed, ask the institution running the programme before applying.

Typical documents for an application

They vary by programme, but commonly requested documents can include:

• Tax registration certificate
• Certificate of activity and trade registry gazette
• Authorised signature list
• KOSGEB database registration and SME declaration (for KOSGEB programmes)
• Letters showing no outstanding tax or social security debt
• A project or business plan: purpose, goals, budget and timeline
• A quote or proforma invoice from the supplier; some programmes require more than one quote

Always take the exact document list from the programme's own text. After the spending, you'll generally need the invoice, a bank statement showing payment was made through a bank, and documents proving the work was delivered. For website projects this can be the live site address, screenshots and a delivery report. Cash payments are generally not accepted.

Choosing a supplier for a supported project

Choosing a supplier for a supported project differs from a normal project in a few ways.

The invoice must be issued the way the programme requires. Line descriptions, dates and amounts should match the quote and the application file. The quote date and the project's start and end dates must also fit the programme calendar; some programmes don't accept spending made before the support is approved.

Some programmes may require a domestic product or domestic software certificate. If so, ask upfront whether the supplier has one.

There's a common trap too: the promise of a 'free website with government support'. Support is never guaranteed in advance. Some quotes set a high price with the line 'the support will cover it anyway'. If the application is rejected or a document is missing, you pay the full invoice.

The healthiest approach: plan the project on a budget that makes sense even if no support comes through. If it does, that's a bonus. We covered how to plan a website budget and the real cost of an online store in separate articles.

If you'd like a quote from Kodyva for a supported project, let's go over the line-item breakdown and dates the programme requires in the first meeting. As for approval, neither we nor any other supplier can guarantee it; be cautious with anyone who says otherwise.

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for legal, financial or tax advice. For your own situation, consult a lawyer or a certified accountant.