An analysis on the supports provided by the development agencies to the firms: Gaziantep as an example

The firms, which are the main building blocks of the world economies contributes positively the reduction of economic differences between regions. As in the world, the financial support of companies in Turkey has been brought to the agenda with the European membership process. Nowadays, Development Agencies are trying to meet the demands which are being raised in local. They provide financial supports to the firms, public institutions and organizations and non-governmental organizations. With these features, Development Agencies play an important role in meeting the local demand. A total of 26 Regional Development Agencies were established in Turkey, including 2(two) Izmir and Çukurova development agencies in 2006, 8 (eight) agencies in 2008 and 16(sixteen) agencies in 2009, by law 5449. This study focused on the support of the Silk Road Development Agency established in 2008.Within the scope of this study, the effects of financial project supports regarding to 2014, 2015 and 2016 years which were provided by Ipekyolu Development Agency (IKA) on the companies those were operating in Gaziantep. In this context a survey work was applied to 26 of the 36 companies which had received support from IKA. According to the results of this study, companies hearsIKA supports from consulting firms and apply such financial supports. In addition, more than half of the companies have their initial(first) project experience, but have project management and project culture. As can be understood from the analyses, it is seen that IKA supports small or large firms equally in terms of projects, and therefore it is necessary for companies to continue to pave the way for firms. By providing more agency support at the level of companies, it will contribute positively to the development of the city economy, increase employment opportunities and increase production volume. Agency supports need to continue rapidly and to addressed regional and global needs by keeping pace with booming technology.