Business representatives welcomed the change made in the financial definition of SMEs.

07.08.2025 18:54

The balance sheet limit for SMEs has been raised from 500 million lira to 1 billion lira. While the business community welcomed the decision, it was noted that this change paves the way for more businesses to access support mechanisms.

Businesspeople reported that they are pleased with the update of the financial definition of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). While the definition of SMEs was reorganized under the "Regulation on the Amendment of the Regulation on Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises," the balance sheet limit was raised to 1 billion lira. Seyit Ardıç, President of the Ankara Chamber of Industry (ASO), indicated in a social media post regarding the issue that their demands for updating the SME definition have been met.

ASO PRESIDENT ARDIÇ: OUR SME DEMANDS HAVE BEEN MET

Ardıç, who previously stated that the limit of 500 million lira net sales revenue or financial balance sheet size in the SME definition was insufficient in light of inflationary conditions and the needs of the real sector, made the following assessment: "Today, with the decision published in the Official Gazette signed by our President Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, this limit has been raised to 1 billion lira. Now, more of our companies will be able to access the support mechanisms defined for SMEs. As the Ankara Chamber of Industry, we will continue to guide and support our SMEs, which are the backbone of investment, production, employment, and exports, in order to enhance their competitiveness."

ATO PRESIDENT GÜRSEL WELCOMES THE SME DECISION WITH SATISFACTION

Gürsel Baran, President of the Ankara Chamber of Commerce (ATO), stated in a written statement that the regulation will ensure a more accurate classification of businesses corresponding to the SME definition.

Thanking President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the economic management for implementing regulations that are sensitive to the sector's demands and aimed at the growth and development of trade, Baran noted:

"We are going through a process of fighting inflation, and during this period, the continuation of production and access to sustainable cost-effective financing is very important and valuable. For this reason, I call on banks to lower interest rates. Our banks should not leave our SMEs alone during this period and should provide maximum support. Credit provided at a reasonable interest rate at the right time will contribute to the continuity of production, trade, exports, and employment."

Mehmet Akıncı, Chairman of the Gaziantep Commodity Exchange, who made a statement regarding the update in the SME definition, expressed his satisfaction by stating, "The SME definition has been updated, and more businesses will benefit from the supports."

NEW SME LIMIT PUBLISHED TODAY IN THE OFFICIAL GAZETTE

The "Regulation on the Amendment of the Regulation on Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises," prepared by the Ministry of Industry and Technology, was published in the Official Gazette dated August 7, 2025, and came into effect. With the new regulation, businesses with an annual number of employees below 250 and whose annual net sales revenue or financial balance sheet does not exceed 1 billion TL will be considered SMEs (Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises). In the previous application, this limit was 500 million TL. With this update, especially the inclusion of medium-sized firms in the SME status will facilitate their access to state supports and incentives.