The Türkiye–EU Business Dialogue II (TEBD II) Project has launched a call for experts to support the implementation of the Sustainable Growth Support Programme. This programme is designed to strengthen the capacity of Turkish chambers, equipping them with the knowledge and tools needed to guide SMEs in adopting sustainability and circular economy practices throughout their value chains. The initiative will help chambers to provide informed, practical, and strategic support to businesses navigating evolving market expectations on sustainability and use it as a competitive advantage for their strategy.
Applications are open until 10 December 2025-7 January 2026. Please find the documents for applications here.
Role and Responsibilities of the Experts
Under this call, TEBD II will recruit four Sustainable Growth Experts, of which three European experts and one local expert from Türkiye. One of the international experts will serve as Group Coordinator, acting as the primary technical focal point and overseeing coordination among all experts. The experts will work closely under the supervision of the TEBD II team particularly with the Capacity Building Expert who will provide strategic direction and validation.
The experts will jointly carry out the following core responsibilities:
1. Development of the TEBD II Sustainable Growth Self-Assessment Tool (February–April 2026)
A central output of the program is the creation of a Sustainable Growth Self-Assessment Tool, enabling SMEs to evaluate their current level of sustainability and circularity. This tool will include a diagnostic checklist, guidance materials, and practical recommendations designed to support companies in identifying gaps and opportunities for improvement.
2. Delivery of In-Person Training (9–12 June 2026, Ankara – tentative dates) and follow-up online workshop
A four-day training programme will be delivered to 25 Turkish chamber executives, covering the fundamentals of sustainable growth, as well as legislator framework, funding opportunities and best practices from existing cases.
In early July, a follow-up online workshop will gather approximately 250 Turkish SMEs. During this activity, experts will present key sustainability concepts and legislative frameworks; mentor SMEs through the self-assessment process; and support the collection of around 250 completed assessments with attending SMEs.
3. Final Report
Based on insights from the training sessions and the SME self-assessments, the experts will produce a comprehensive final report. This report will analyse sustainability potential within Turkish SMEs, identify common gaps and opportunities, and provide recommendations for Turkish chambers and SMEs to adapt to global sustainability trends, access new market opportunities, and strengthen their competitiveness within European and international value chains.
Applications are open until 9 January 2026 (5 PM, CET). Please find the documents for applications here.
Role and Responsibilities of the Experts
Under this call, TEBD II will recruit four Sustainable Growth Experts, of which three European experts and one local expert from Türkiye. One of the international experts will serve as Group Coordinator, acting as the primary technical focal point and overseeing coordination among all experts. The experts will work closely under the supervision of the TEBD II team particularly with the Capacity Building Expert who will provide strategic direction and validation.
The experts will jointly carry out the following core responsibilities:
1. Development of the TEBD II Sustainable Growth Self-Assessment Tool
A central output of the program is the creation of a Sustainable Growth Self-Assessment Tool, enabling SMEs to evaluate their current level of sustainability and circularity. This tool will include a diagnostic checklist, guidance materials, and practical recommendations designed to support companies in identifying gaps and opportunities for improvement. The first version of the tool is expected to be delivered by end of April.
2. Delivery of In-Person Training (9–12 June 2026, Ankara – tentative dates) and follow-up online workshop
A four-day training programme will be delivered to 25 Turkish chamber executives, covering the fundamentals of sustainable growth, as well as legislator framework, funding opportunities and best practices from existing cases.
In early July, a follow-up online workshop will gather approximately 250 Turkish SMEs. During this activity, experts will present key sustainability concepts and legislative frameworks; mentor SMEs through the self-assessment process; and support the collection of around 250 completed assessments with attending SMEs.
3. Final Report
Based on insights from the training sessions and the SME self-assessments, the experts will produce a comprehensive final report by August 2026. This report will analyse sustainability potential within Turkish SMEs, identify common gaps and opportunities, and provide recommendations for Turkish chambers and SMEs to adapt to global sustainability trends, access new market opportunities, and strengthen their competitiveness within European and international value chains.