Social Entrepreneurship in Anatolia
The SEECO Project began in April 2021 with the aim of enhancing the economic participation of women and youth, as well as strengthening social cohesion across 11 provinces in Turkey. The project focuses on improving the livelihoods of women and youth in both host and guest communities, supporting social entrepreneurship, and contributing to the well-being of local communities.
Inspired by Anatolian culture, SEECO prioritizes sharing, mutual support, and solidarity. Through social entrepreneurship, the project seeks to provide solutions to environmental and social issues. Supporting disadvantaged groups, including women, youth, and individuals with disabilities, and enabling them to participate more actively and confidently in economic life is one of SEECO's core objectives.
Key Goals of the SEECO Project:
- Launching innovative social entrepreneurship projects.
- Promoting women and youth entrepreneurship.
- Strengthening social cohesion by fostering collaboration between host and guest community members.
Strong Steps on the Ground
SEECO operates in 11 provinces: Gaziantep, Adıyaman, Kilis, Hatay, Osmaniye, Kahramanmaraş, Şanlıurfa, Diyarbakır, Adana, Mersin, and Mardin, in collaboration with the Ipekyolu, East Mediterranean, Karacadağ, Çukurova, and Dicle Development Agencies. We organize training, meetings, and capacity-building activities in cooperation with local governments, provincial administrations, and public institutions.
Implemented by the Ministry of Industry and Technology General Directorate of Development Agencies and the World Bank, SEECO is funded by the European Union. The project's success is made possible through supporting our heroes on the ground.
The Journey of Social Heroes
On our journey to discover the hidden heroes of Anatolia, we guide women and youth in realizing their potential. We witness the inspiring steps of entrepreneurs who have yet to discover their own power, offering them support and encouragement.
"Our primary goal is to make a positive impact in Anatolia, strengthen women’s employment, and foster a culture of social entrepreneurship to support regional development."
— Ahmet Şimşek, General Director of Development Agencies, Ministry of Industry and Technology, SEECO Project Director
"As women and youth embark on their journey to become their own heroes, we guide them and support our path toward a stronger society, step by step."
— H. Hande Kara, Project Manager
With the SEECO Project, new seeds of hope are blossoming on the fertile lands of Anatolia, growing through a culture of social entrepreneurship
