Technical Entrepreneurship Training in the Sector of Machinery and Equipment, Metal Manufacturing, and Repair was launched in November 2023 within the scope of the (ENHANCER) Project. 402 participants were successfully certified in trainings conducted in Ankara, Kayseri, Konya and Şanlıurfa.
Participant Testimonials
50 years old, Syria/Şanlıurfa
“I was working as an English teacher in Syria. Due to the war, we had to come to Turkey. In the early period of our arrival in 2015, I worked as a teacher in private educational institutions for a while. Before the war, my husband owned a company that produced kitchen equipment. After coming to Turkey, he had a small venture in his field again. I also quit teaching and started working with him to support his venture. Here in Şanlıurfa, we produce kitchen equipment and fireplace products, just like we did in Syria. I took on the accounting management of this small venture. We faced many difficulties when we first started working here. I started researching various trainings with the desire to develop myself further and grow our business. It was during this time that I became acquainted with the ICMPD – Enhancer project. Within the framework of entrepreneurship trainings in the machinery sector, we received valuable experience sharing from important figures on how to compete with our competitors in the sector, how to increase our business volume, and how to increase our production capacity. I can say that these trainings broadened my horizons and taught me how to follow a path to make things easier in a challenging field.
I particularly benefited greatly in the field of marketing in these trainings. We acquired important information that we couldn’t have learned on our own in this regard.
I would like to thank all the team organizing these trainings and the valuable figures providing the trainings.”
30 yeras old, Şanlıurfa
“In my career in the mapping sector that I started after graduating from university, as time passed and I couldn’t see the rewards for my efforts, my husband and I decided to establish our own business. Therefore, we have been working in entrepreneurship since 2022. The ICMPD training we received not only provided us with knowledge but also gave us new perspectives. The mentors, interpreters, and support team who guided us on this journey provided us with great assistance with their attention and information.
Entrepreneurship is filled with the desire to offer people the business ideas we want in our area of freedom as a service. In making this decision, we tried various methods to overcome the costs and other difficulties we encountered. Building a strong, loyal, and reliable team became the key to our success. Now, we focus on generating quick and definite results by producing radical and practical solutions to the problems we face. Learning from our mistakes, we strive not to repeat the same mistakes in the future.
My advice to those who want to succeed in entrepreneurship is to carefully research to meet the right needs at the right time and place, and to adopt a strict work discipline. Besides having good equipment, it is important not to forget the importance of perseverance and determination in achieving success.”
51 years old, Şanlıurfa
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After serving in a public institution for many years, I decided to bring to life the idea of starting a business that I had nurtured within me for years. Initially, I wanted to improve myself by taking various trainings. At this point, I joined the ICMPD – Enhancer project. The trainings I attended gave me the courage and guidance to turn these thoughts into reality. They answered many questions in my mind. They served as a guide for our determined friends who are willing to start or run a business. I want to become an entrepreneur relying on my knowledge and skills because I want to both earn and contribute. In the future, I aim to engage in textile production and develop my business based on this. Of course, we have concerns about initial financial expenses and where to start, but I believe that with the support of such trainings, we can overcome these challenges. Taking action and taking the first step towards success is very important as a result of our activities. They say starting is half the battle, and I experienced this firsthand. I advise aspiring entrepreneurs to take a courageous step towards everything in their minds because I have learned that we need to step forward with courage to achieve our dreams.”
“The path to reaching the summit begins with taking bold steps and overcoming the challenges encountered. As someone who aspires to work in entrepreneurship, I embarked on the journey with the goal of creating new business opportunities that increase national income, develop society, and enhance the popularity of innovative ideas. The challenges I faced ranged from tax complications to payroll management, accounting errors to financial planning. However, to overcome these challenges, I planned ahead for financing and financial matters, challenged myself, and took steps with belief in myself. Taking risks with confidence, I eventually succeeded in establishing a business development team that contributes to economic, environmental, and social goals by providing employment and business opportunities, increasing innovation and productivity. I understood the importance of taking risks, challenging oneself, and maintaining belief in oneself to achieve success. Throughout the process, I aimed for continuous improvement by adhering to the principle of developing myself through the trainings I received and the research I conducted. The training we participated in was an adventure that not only showed us the importance of constantly improving ourselves in the entrepreneurial process but also provided us with a business network.”
24 years old, Suriye/Kayseri
“I was involved in trade alongside my education in Syria. Due to the war, I came to Turkey in 2015. I started entrepreneurship in the field of trade again. I am continuing my education, which was interrupted, here as well. I learned about the ICMPD – Enhancer project through social media. I attended trainings to develop myself and my business life. I gained very important information about what a professional management style would be like and what is important in the field of marketing. These trainings greatly encouraged me that I could improve my business. With the grant support I will receive financially, I believe that I can reach much better places and create employment.”
59 years old, Suriye/Şanlıurfa
“I was providing services in the automotive repair sector in Syria. After the war, I came to Turkey. I was eager to fill in the gaps in order to steer my commercial life in my own field. I became aware of the ICMPD – Enhancer project in this way. I have gained very important insights in areas I have never known before, such as financial management, market research, and proper marketing techniques.”
44 years old, Konya
“For 26 years, I’ve had commercial ventures in various fields. Currently, I’m involved in production in the fiberglass sector. I had various pursuits to enhance my work in this field and grow my business. Through a Syrian neighbor in the area where my workplace is located, I became aware of the ICMPD – Enhancer project.
I had the chance to confirm that I was following the right path in terms of financial management. It was a very beneficial training for younger entrepreneurs like me. We received intensive training from very professional instructors on topics such as how to establish a business, how to manage accounting, and how processes should proceed.
The area where I lacked the most, especially, was in exports. I can say that my horizons have expanded on how to open up to foreign markets, what conditions must be met, what paths to follow, how market analyses are conducted, and what criteria production should be based on.
I thank all the teams involved in organizing this comprehensive training.”
46 years old, Kayseri
“After working in private banking for 8 years, I took action on my desire to start my own business. I have been working in the vacuum pump sector for 9 years. To grow my own business and expand my business volume, I participated in ICMPD – Enhancer trainings.
Previously, we had operated a small-scale repair shop, but now, due to the profitability and low risk of working in the industrial sector, I focused on the production of molds and models in the industrial field.
As someone who believes that education is important under all circumstances, I have always seized opportunities to improve myself regardless of my age and have participated in trainings that I deemed appropriate at every opportunity. After attending these trainings, I particularly noticed an increase in my knowledge and awareness, especially in the field of machinery. I gained a better understanding of the importance of innovation, technology, and the sector in the machinery industry and realized that I am on the right track.
Entrepreneurship is an area filled with the desire to discover new things and create new opportunities for me. After taking the first step, we are able to better see and evaluate the business opportunities around us.
I am immensely grateful to the entire team who organized these trainings, which have been extremely productive for me.”