Turkey launches social entrepreneurship grants in Çankırı and geographic‑indication project for Doğubayazıt thyme

The North Anatolia Development Agency (KUZKA) announced a 2026 Social Entrepreneurship Development Financial Support Program with a budget of about 39 million Turkish lira. At a briefing in Çankırı, Governor Hüseyin Çakırtaş urged local NGOs, cooperatives, foundations and social enterprises to apply for grants ranging from 1 million to 3 million TL per project, with a funding share of 75‑90 percent.

Separately, the Serhat Development Agency signed a contract with the Doğubayazıt Chamber of Commerce and Industry to secure a geographical‑indication label for Doğubayazıt thyme. The project will conduct field surveys, laboratory analyses and provide training on harvesting, drying, storage and quality management, aiming to protect the herb’s unique qualities, raise its market value and support local producers.

Both initiatives are part of Turkey’s broader effort to boost regional economies, strengthen social enterprises and protect traditional agricultural products.