Digital Seeds Sprouting
Digital Seeds is an innovative transformation initiative designed to help local producers, small businesses and cooperatives in Türkiye’s earthquake-affected regions achieve sustainable growth by developing the digital skills they need through training and one-to-one mentoring.
By bringing together the traditions of the past with the technologies of the future, the project aims to strengthen the economic resilience of producers whose livelihoods were affected by the earthquake while contributing to the long-term recovery and revitalization of local economies.
Through digital transformation, entrepreneurship and knowledge sharing, Digital Seeds empowers rural communities to build stronger businesses, reach new markets and create sustainable opportunities for the future.
Project Objectives
This project, which will bring together the traditions of the past with the technology of the future, aims to provide economic empowerment to producers who have been disadvantaged due to the earthquake disaster and to contribute to the revitalization of the regional economy.
The main objective of the project is to add value to local products by adapting the region's production capacity to current trends and needs, transforming them into products in demand on the national and global stage. At the same time, it aims to create equal opportunities between rural and urban areas by supporting the ancient knowledge, skills, and production capacity of rural areas with information technologies, and to contribute to the development of both the rural areas and the country as a whole.
Revitalizing the Regional Economy
To contribute to the revitalization of the regional economy by enabling small producers located in the disadvantaged earthquake zone to become part of the digital economy.
Social Development
To promote community development by supporting local producers and small businesses in their sustainable growth.
Women's Economic Empowerment
To support women entrepreneurs in becoming economically empowered by enabling them to transform their skills and craftsmanship into value-added products, and to generate income by establishing a presence in the digital world.
Target group
Transforming the ancient knowledge, skills, and production capacity of rural areas into a model that generates value through the power of information technology is only possible by building bridges between generations. From this perspective, combining the values derived from traditions with the digital skills of young people to create benefit and profit will enable both the inheritance and ownership of the village's ancient knowledge by future generations and the creation of new employment opportunities for young people in rural areas.
Accordingly, each company applying to the project is expected to be accompanied by a representative with production knowledge, as well as a young representative aged 18-30 with strong digital skills.
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Women's Cooperatives
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Medium-Sized Agricultural Producers
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Women entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs in rural communities whose livelihoods depend on handmade and artisan products
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Small Family Businesses
Why Should I Apply?
Dear Participants,
We understand the challenges you face as you build your business in rural communities. We know the dedication, creativity and hard work behind every handmade product, and we believe your work deserves to reach a much wider audience.
Whether you are just beginning your digital journey or looking to grow your existing business, Digital Seeds was created to support you.
Through this project, you will gain more than training. You will receive personalized mentoring from experienced professionals who will guide you through every stage of your digital transformation. Together, you will develop the practical skills needed to strengthen your business, build your brand and connect with new customers.
Unlike many traditional training programmes, Digital Seeds combines education with one-to-one mentorship. Our mentors will work alongside you to help you make the most of digital tools, social media, e-commerce and online marketing, ensuring that your products and your story reach the people who value them most.
Our goal is not only to teach digital skills, but to help you build a sustainable future—one where your knowledge, craftsmanship and entrepreneurial spirit can flourish in an increasingly connected world.
Project Highlights
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Mentorship Program
The most important feature that distinguishes the "Digital Seeds Sprouting" Project from other similar projects is the continuous mentorship support provided to the candidates. Mentors will help aspiring entrepreneurs transform their ideas into a solid business plan, overcome the challenges they face, and maintain their motivation throughout the process.
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Flexible Training Modules Tailored to Each Participant
Within the scope of the project, participants will receive training in four modules covering topics such as social media usage, digital marketing, e-commerce, design, product development, branding, registration, geographical indications, cooperatives, packaging, certification, project development, support programs, legal and financial responsibilities. These trainings can be customized according to the individual skills, business scale, and needs of the participants.
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Digital Ecosystem and Collaborative Culture
The project aims to foster a new generation of digital collaboration by strengthening participants’ ability to access, share and apply knowledge. Through digital connectivity, participants can engage with peers and organizations facing similar challenges across different regions, exchange experiences, develop partnerships and learn from one another.
Inspired by the spirit of collective cooperation, the project transforms traditional community solidarity into a modern digital network that connects people, ideas and opportunities beyond geographical boundaries.
Impact and Outcome
Digital Seeds empowers rural producers by strengthening their digital capabilities, helping them build sustainable businesses, increase their economic resilience and bring local products and traditions to wider markets.
By connecting traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, the project creates new opportunities for employment, supports women entrepreneurs and contributes to more vibrant, resilient and sustainable rural communities.
Beyond digital transformation, Digital Seeds fosters stronger connections between rural and urban communities, promoting inclusive growth, shared prosperity and a more equitable model of sustainable development.
Partners
