In order to increase the number of entrepreneurs in traditional products sector with an equal opportunity in enterprise, business and income a business development centre (İŞGEM) is established in Gümüşhane. 20 entrepreneurs are being placed in İŞGEM, 25% of which are aimed to be women and young entrepreneurs. Business plans of the entrepreneurs are redesigned by professional consultants and export oriented business plans are developed.
Within the İŞGEM premises there is a common use production and packaging unit for churchkhela (traditional sweet) and dried fruit roll-up products in addition to a training hall.  Through the packaging unit the products are stored under healthier conditions with longer shelf-life, and with this entrepreneurs are able to create their own brand and market their products to internal and external market, more easily.
Through the seminars organised in the region, İŞGEM is introduced to the entrepreneurs and information is provided on business development, entrepreneurship and how SMEs are supported.
 

In addition to its natural and historical beauties, once hosting the Silk Road, the city is famous for its delicious natural food products. Entrepreneurs of Gümüşhane’s food and beverages industry can only respond to demands coming from the internal market. The fact that the number of SMEs in the sector are very few prevents the development of a competitive environment, and efforts to look for new markets of export. Therefore, export potential gets limited.