“ABAD” public legal entity (Simplified Support to Family Businesses) was awarded the “Uğur 2018” National Award, the most prestigious business award in Azerbaijan for its contribution to the development of small and medium-sized enterprises.

Speaking at the ceremony, Rufat Elchiyev, a director of “ABAD”, commented on the achievements of the organization:

“ABAD” public legal entity run by the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan was established by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev dated 23 September 2016. "ABAD" started its activity with 7 families as a pilot project. At present, 336 small and medium entrepreneurs in our terms, “ABAD-chi” have joined our support program. Nearly 40 food brands are available in the country's largest hypermarkets. Decorative-applied folk art samples, souvenirs were put up for sale at the "ABAD" ethno-boutiques. The number of support destinations and the number of “ABAD” families, as well as the export potential, are expected to be increased soon. The main purpose on establishing the organization is to carry out socially oriented projects aimed at ensuring the active participation of the citizens in the social-economic life of the Republic of Azerbaijan, developing small and medium entrepreneurship, raising the employment rate of the population and supporting the formation of competitive family businesses in the country. "ABAD" also provides family businesses with business planning, procurement, marketing, training, branding and design, financial accounting, legal assistance, transportation, logistics and, most importantly, sales arrangements."

The “Uğur” National Award, the most prestigious award in the business circle of Azerbaijan, was established in 2000 by “Consulting & Business”, a leading business publication covering the economy, law, and private entrepreneurship development in the country. The journal "Consulting & Business", which has been published since 1996, has become a popular magazine for economists, politicians, managers and businessmen in Azerbaijan. The prize is awarded to organizations, companies that have made significant progress in the and contributed to the development of Azerbaijan by their achievements.