When Effort Bears Fruit
Social Entrepreneurship, Empowerment and Cohesion Project Newsletter | June 2026
The most exciting moment in any endeavor is not the day it begins—it is the day when the results of hard work start to become visible.
After months, sometimes years, of dedicated effort, seeing a center independently deliver its own activities, watching an entrepreneur’s story grow into an inspiration for others, or witnessing a structure continue its journey on its own… these are among the clearest indicators of lasting social impact.
June gave us exactly that feeling. Across the centers established with SEECO support, trainings, production activities, new partnerships, and success stories continue to grow. Every day, more people become part of this ecosystem—creating, learning, and inspiring others.
This month also brought another exciting milestone. Our documentary, “Dönüşen Hayatlar” which tells the story of SEECO’s journey in the field and showcases the inspiring experiences of our entrepreneurs, has begun airing on TV. Broadcast every Saturday, the documentary presents not only a project but also the people behind it, the lives it has transformed, and the ecosystem we have built together to a wider audience.
As we welcome the energy of summer, production continues at full pace across our centers. New ideas are taking shape in workshops, training programs are moving forward, and entrepreneurs are taking bold new steps. The structures we have established are no longer simply operational centers—they have evolved into vibrant ecosystems that are writing their own stories and creating their own success.
Because true impact lies not only in measurable outcomes, but also in the visible efforts, the stories shared, and the journeys that inspire others.
This June, we celebrate exactly that: the value we have created together is reaching more people, becoming increasingly visible, and continuing to grow.
What Happened in the Field This June?
Field Visits to Mardin and Diyarbakır with the European Union and the World Bank
Together with representatives of the European Union and the World Bank, we carried out field visits to Mardin and Diyarbakır.
Our program began in Mardin with an experience-sharing event at a livelihood facility supported under the SEECO Project. We then visited SEECO-supported centers and facilities, providing an opportunity to observe firsthand the transformation taking place on the ground and the project’s lasting impact.
The Diyarbakır leg of the program continued with an event at the Social Entrepreneurship Center, where we met with grant beneficiaries and representatives from facilities across the region. Listening to participants’ experiences allowed us to assess how project support has contributed to local development and community resilience. As the project approaches its final phase, witnessing the sustainability of these initiatives and the positive impact they have created has become an important source of motivation for future efforts.
New Development Investments Inaugurated in Gaziantep
With the participation of the Minister of Industry and Technology, Mr. Mehmet Fatih Kacır, a series of groundbreaking and inauguration ceremonies were held in Gaziantep, introducing new investments that will strengthen the city’s production capacity, employment opportunities, and regional development.
In addition to industrial, educational, and housing projects, the program included the inauguration and signing ceremonies of projects supported by the İpekyolu Development Agency and the GAP Regional Development Administration, including centers established with SEECO support.
These investments across diverse sectors continue to strengthen Gaziantep’s entrepreneurship and production ecosystem while contributing to regional development.
Training Activities Expand Across Şanlıurfa
Training and production activities continued throughout June at SEECO-supported centers in the Karacadağ Development Agency region.
Following the completion of theoretical courses within the “Ancient Flavors from Productive Women” project implemented by Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Municipality, participants moved on to practical culinary training. Through hands-on experience with the region’s rich culinary heritage, participants are developing valuable professional skills.
Meanwhile, the Şanlıurfa Software, Design and Innovation Center introduced VR headsets and game development equipment to children in village schools to improve access to technology. Many of these children had never experienced such technologies before. Through interactive activities, they explored the digital world while discovering their interest in technology and software development. In doing so, the center continues to support not only the entrepreneurship ecosystem but also the technology innovators of tomorrow.
Vocational Training Continues in the Çukurova Region
Throughout June, vocational training programs continued at SEECO-supported centers across the Çukurova region.
In Erdemli, participants received hands-on training in pastry making, barista skills, and beauty services to prepare them for employment. At the Halkkent MERCEK Vocational Training and Education Center, a wide range of courses were offered in gastronomy, information technologies, garment production, beauty services, barista training, and English language education.
These programs continue to strengthen the professional skills of women and young people while supporting their participation in the workforce.
Education and Social Impact Activities Continue in the Eastern Mediterranean Region
Throughout June, SEECO-supported centers across the Eastern Mediterranean region continued implementing activities focused on entrepreneurship, professional development, and capacity building.
An e-commerce training program was organized at the Osmaniye Social Entrepreneurship Center, while the Kahramanmaraş Social Entrepreneurship Center hosted the final presentations and award ceremony of the Social Impact Marathon 2026. The center also welcomed participants to a mentoring program designed to strengthen entrepreneurs’ project development skills.
At the Kahramanmaraş Chamber of Commerce and Industry SCALE-UP Social Entrepreneurship Center, comprehensive training sessions were delivered on digital transformation, international trade, and accounting. Meanwhile, digital skills and handicraft workshops continued at the Toprakkale Social Entrepreneurship Center, and professional training programs aimed at improving service quality remained ongoing at the Osmaniye Culinary Arts Center.
Gaziantep’s Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Continues to Grow
Throughout June, İstasyon Gaziantep hosted training programs, workshops, and networking events focused on entrepreneurship, project development, green transformation, and institutional capacity building.
One of the month’s highlights was the Inspiration Gathering, where two women entrepreneurs working in biotechnology shared their entrepreneurial journeys, inspiring young people and aspiring women entrepreneurs alike.
A SEECO Touch for Osmaniye Peanuts
A healthy peanut butter developed within the Osmaniye Oil Seeds Research Institute with SEECO support has officially been launched.
As part of the project, aflatoxin analyses are now carried out in the newly established laboratory, while the product’s packaging was redesigned with SEECO support. Produced from geographically indicated Osmaniye peanuts, the product is now available to consumers through online sales platforms.
Second-Term Workshops Begin at HKÜ-Design
The İpekyolu Gaziantep Digital Design and Application Social Entrepreneurship Center (HKÜ-Design) has launched its second training term.
Participants are receiving practical training in social media management, digital marketing, branding, photography, and social entrepreneurship while developing digital production skills that enable them to turn their creative ideas into reality.
Entrepreneurship Reaches Every Generation in Adıyaman
Throughout June, the Social Entrepreneurship Center operating under the Adıyaman Chamber of Commerce and Industry organized training programs and workshops for participants of all ages.
In addition to the Artificial Intelligence Train-the-Trainer program delivered in cooperation with Habitat Association, Inspiration Gatherings brought entrepreneurs together with university students, creating opportunities for knowledge sharing and new professional connections.
The center also hosted children’s entrepreneurship workshops, effective and healthy communication training, mobile photography courses, and capacity-building programs. Participants not only gained new skills but also became more closely connected with the entrepreneurship ecosystem. By engaging people of all ages, these activities continue to promote an entrepreneurial culture across the region while supporting individual growth and development.
As we leave June behind, seeing every visible effort transform into a new success story gives us hope for the future. Our centers continue to create, our entrepreneurs continue to inspire, and the impact we have built together continues to grow.
We look forward to sharing many more stories with you in the months ahead.