With the partnership of the European Union and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Turkey launched the Finance and Advice for Women in Business program on Thursday.

The EBRD is providing approximately $326 million in credit lines for Turkish banks interested in taking part in the program that fosters the role of women entrepreneurs within the economy.

“The entrepreneurship of women plays a key role in driving the economic growth of a country and we firmly believe that creating equality of opportunity for women in business is not only a gender issue, but also an economic priority," EBRD Deputy Country Director for Turkey Sule Kilic said. "That’s why we are happy to see the progress of the Finance and Advice for Women in Business program in supporting Turkey’s women entrepreneurs. It is a pleasure to launch the mentoring component on International Women’s Day.”