UEB's Aegean Initiative in Aydın: Grants for Merchants and a Promise of Global Markets

The International Tradespeople’s Union (UEB), which is expanding its organizational network across Turkey, reaffirmed its presence in the Aegean region in Aydın. The UEB Aydın Provincial Branch’s Regular General Assembly was held with the participation of local tradespeople and representatives of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Hosted by Aydın Provincial Chairman Olcay Akyıldız and attended by Muğla Provincial Chairman Mehmet Ayyıldız, the summit focused on steps to increase the Aegean tradespeople’s share of the local economy.

What’s on the Table? What’s in Store for Small Business Owners?

• Guidance and Grant Support: A one-on-one advisory network is being established to help small businesses access national and international grant and incentive programs.

• Not Just Local, but E-Commerce and Export: E-commerce infrastructure and foreign trade guidance will be provided to help small business owners expand not only within their own cities but also into global markets via the internet.

• Solutions Directly from the Field: The chronic problems and cost pressures faced by SMEs in Aydın and surrounding provinces were documented after being heard firsthand.

"Together We Are Strong, Together We Grow"

Expressing his satisfaction with the high energy and spirit of solidarity displayed at the general assembly, UEB Founding President Mehmet Özdil stated that they are determined to elevate small business owners’ economic power to new heights, saying:

"As the International Tradespeople’s Union (UEB), we concluded our General Assembly held in Aydın with great enthusiasm and strong participation. Hosted by our UEB Aydın Provincial Chair and President of the Barbers’ Association, Mr. Olcay Akyıldız, this General Assembly allowed us to foster an exceptionally strong environment for consultation with our small business owners and SMEs.

I would like to thank Mr. Mehmet Ayyıldız, our UEB Muğla Provincial Chairman, for joining our program and lending us his support; our host, Olcay Akyıldız; our small business owners; and all SME representatives. This strong sense of unity we have demonstrated in Aydın is a very important step toward the future of our small business owners. As we have always emphasized: together we are strong; together we grow."