Sakarya University (SAU) contributes to initiatives aimed at promoting local entrepreneurship, facilitating access to financial resources, and supporting sustainable economic activities through its academic expertise, research centres, and institutional partnerships. In this context, the University plays a role in developing social finance mechanisms that support the economic participation of low-income individuals and encourage innovative entrepreneurial initiatives.
As highlighted in Sakarya University's official news article, “İSEFAM's Community Engagement Initiative”, the Islamic Economics Research and Application Association (İKSAR), established through the initiative of Sakarya University academics, implements a Qard Hasan-based microfinance programme. The initiative, also documented by the Research and Application Centre for Islamic Economics and Finance (İSEFAM), supports low-income individuals who face difficulties accessing finance in establishing new businesses or developing existing enterprises. Under the programme, interest-free, repayable financial assistance is provided to individuals residing in Sakarya who intend to engage in income-generating economic activities.
The İKSAR 2025 Activity Report demonstrates that the Qard Hasan programme continued to operate in 2025, providing financial support to local entrepreneurs. Applications are assessed by considering the feasibility and income-generating potential of the proposed or existing businesses. The report presents concrete examples of support, including the establishment of a food service business, the development of printing operations, and the procurement of raw materials to maintain production activities. These initiatives contribute to strengthening the economic activities of low-income individuals and supporting the continuity of local production.
Another initiative supported through Sakarya University's entrepreneurship ecosystem is the G-FAST/Fikir Sepeti Entrepreneurship Acceleration Programme, implemented in collaboration between Sakarya Teknokent and the Sakarya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SATSO). During the 2025 programme, aspiring entrepreneurs who completed training and mentoring activities presented their innovative business ideas to jury members and potential investors. At the G-FAST/Fikir Sepeti 2025-1 Final Event, successful entrepreneurial initiatives received financial awards, encouraging the commercialisation of innovative business ideas and their transformation into sustainable enterprises.
These initiatives demonstrate Sakarya University's contribution to the development of financial support mechanisms for local entrepreneurs through its academic expertise, entrepreneurship infrastructure, and institutional partnerships. Interest-free microfinance initiatives and entrepreneurship programmes aim to expand economic opportunities, encourage the establishment of new businesses, and support the long-term sustainability of existing enterprises.
