Frequently Asked Questions

• The program is targeted at owners of Micro and Small Business operating in Hatay, Gaziantep, Şanlıurfa, and Adana, whose operations have been affected by the earthquake.
• Only business owners who have participated in Building Markets’ needs assessment survey conducted in February and who have directly received the invitation message from Building Markets can apply.
• Upon completion of the application form, Building Markets and GiveDirectly will review and verify the provided information to determine eligibility for the program.

• Yes – if you have received the message invitation to apply and have a business registered with Building Markets in one of the target areas (Hatay, Gaziantep, Şanlıurfa, Adana), then you can apply by submitting the form even if you are temporarily living in a different area.

• Building Markets and GiveDirectly will verify the information provided in the application form and determine your eligibility. When your application has been reviewed, you will receive a message to inform you of the outcome of your application.

• A cash transfer of 18.000 TL will be provided to eligible business owners. The transfer is meant to help business owners cover costs related to the recovery or maintenance of business operations following the earthquake.
• You will be able to spend the transfer on anything you deem necessary to support your business at this difficult time.

• You will receive a message from Building Markets informing you about your eligibility and the expected date of the transfer. If you are eligible, the cash transfer will be delivered within three weeks from the submission of your application. 
• If you have an individual bank account, please provide the details in the application form to receive the transfer via bank transfer. If you don’t have a bank account, please let us know in the form and we’ll inform you of alternative solutions to receive your transfer.

• No – the cash transferred provided in this program is a cash grant, not a loan.

• No – you can spend the transfer however you choose and on whatever you think it’s most needed to improve your livelihood. No one should tell you how you should spend your money.

• No – the program is only for Micro and Small businesses who are registered with Building Markets, who have participated in the February needs assessment and who have received the invitation message from Building Markets.

• No – participation in the program is free and not subject to any fees. Building Markets and GiveDirectly will never ask you for any form of payment or favor to enroll you in the program. Beware of anyone approaching you and asking for money as part of this program and inform our hotline as soon as possible by calling +90 212 945 09 60

Only selected business owners who have received the message with their unique link can participate in this program.

There are other organizations who are setting up similar initiatives and therefore recommend reaching out to municipalities and NGOs networks for information.

• No – the link sent is unique for you as owner of a business registered with Building Markets and only one application can be submitted via each link. If you forward the link to other people you could lose your chance to participate.

• You can talk with Building Markets and GiveDirectly call center by calling +90 212 945 09 60, Monday to Friday from 9AM to 5PM. You will be able to ask your questions in either Arabic or Turkish.