Zero-interest loan opportunity from banks... Who will benefit? What are the priority professional groups?

Halkbank has announced a new loan support package for tradespeople and young entrepreneurs.

Within the scope of the regulation published in the Official Gazette by Presidential Decree, zero-interest and 50 percent interest-discounted loan opportunities will be offered, valid between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2027.

WHAT ARE THE LOAN CONDITIONS?

Treasury-supported investment and operating loans will be provided for tradespeople and artisans in Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Zero-interest loan opportunities will be provided to those operating in traditional, cultural, and artistic fields, as well as professions facing extinction.

The 50 percent interest-discounted loan will be valid for all tradespeople and artisans. The loans will be disbursed through Halkbank branches, either via the Turkish Tradespeople and Artisans Credit and Guarantee Cooperatives or without a guarantee.

ZERO-INTEREST LOAN FOR YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS

Young entrepreneurs under the age of 35 will be provided with zero-interest loans of up to 300 thousand TL. The following conditions must be met to apply for this loan:

Having completed the Traditional or Advanced Entrepreneur Support Program.

Holding a Tradesperson Tax Exemption Certificate.

Documenting the establishment of a business in one's own name.

WHICH PROFESSIONS ARE PRIORITIZED?

Professions facing extinction will be prioritized for loan support. These professions include hand-weaving, copper craftsmanship, and other traditional craft branches.

To apply, one must hold a mastership certificate for at least one year and document that they are active in this profession.

The interest discount to be applied to the loans will be calculated based on the difference between the bank's current interest rates and the interest rates reflected to tradespeople and artisans. However, those found to have unfairly benefited from this support will be unable to use treasury-supported loans for five years.

WHEN DO APPLICATIONS START?

The loans to be provided by Halkbank will be open for applications as of January 1, 2025, and will continue until December 31, 2027. Detailed information regarding the loans can be obtained from Halkbank branches and Tradespeople and Artisans Credit Cooperatives.