Karatas Backwaren GmbH: Success through quality and passion

Nuray and Cihat Karatas have realized their dream by founding Karatas Backwaren GmbH. They were supported by the Bürgschaftsbank NRW.

This article is part of the special feature GründerNavi – for founders and young companies

The entrepreneurial couple originally worked in the IT and medical sectors before taking the plunge into self-employment in 2022. It was their passion for offering Turkish sesame rings ( simit ) in Germany that motivated them to start their business . They invested heavily in development work to perfect the recipe and baking techniques. Supported by dough technologists, food chemists, and renowned bakery equipment manufacturers, they succeeded in offering three product variations under their label: fresh simits for retailers in North Rhine-Westphalia , par-baked simits, and frozen dough pieces distributed throughout Germany.

Concept and expertise convinced 

Rudolf Pinter, corporate client advisor at Bürgschaftsbank NRW. Photo: © Bürgschaftsbank NRW

The founding couple found support from the NRW Guarantee Bank . Rudolf Pinter, corporate client advisor at the Guarantee Bank, made a special trip to the bakery to see it for himself. He recalls: " We were impressed by both the Karatas couple's concept and their combination of expertise and enthusiasm for the product ." The advisor was also delighted with the taste of the product.

Simits, a pastry that has become extremely popular in Germany as well, are made with sourdough, require a twelve-hour fermentation process, and are then baked in a stone oven. Nuray and Cihat Karatas place great emphasis on the highest quality . It is precisely this quality and taste that have already convinced many Turkish food retailers. "We supply almost all Turkish grocery stores in the area," says Cihat Karatas. Furthermore, the simits are already listed in some supermarkets of major retailers such as Rewe, Edeka, and Lekkerland. The company is currently in talks with other suppliers.

Rudolf Pinter, corporate client advisor at the NRW Guarantee Bank : "Both the concept of the Karatas couple and the combination of expertise and enthusiasm for the product convinced us."

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Sustainably positioned

Quality is also the company's motto when it comes to operational processes. In production, the Karatas prioritize sustainability through energy-efficient ovens and a photovoltaic system on the roof . They regularly donate leftover baked goods to regional food banks or food-sharing initiatives, thus demonstrating their commitment to combating food waste and supporting fellow citizens in need.

In 2024, Karatas Backwaren GmbH was nominated for the MUT Start-up Award in North Rhine-Westphalia. A fantastic accolade that confirms the company's success. For the Karatas family, however, this is no reason to rest on their laurels. With the company now employing almost 30 people, they have big plans for the future. " There's always something to do, and it's fun to see the company grow, " says Cihat Karatas, adding, "The investment has definitely paid off."

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checklist

This is how a guarantee works. Applicants should know:

✔️ Any founder, entrepreneur, or freelancer can apply for loan guarantees. It must be a small or medium-sized enterprise.

✔️ You need appropriate personal, commercial and professional qualifications for your field of activity.

✔️ A business plan with an economic forecast is required, demonstrating that the business operations can generate enough revenue to cover debt service and provide a reasonable living wage.

✔️ Applications are usually processed through your bank. However, guarantees can also be applied for directly at the guarantee bank.

✔️ The maximum guarantee amount is 2 million euros.

✔️ Guarantees are available for almost every project, if the prospects are right. Excluded are restructuring measures, debt restructuring, and measures that are not eligible for aid under EU competition rules.

✔️ If additional equity capital is required, the guarantee bank recommends the involvement of KBG NRW.

Further information on the products of the Bürgschaftsbank can be found at: nrw.ermoeglicher.de

Conclusion

Financing: Before the project is founded, the financial requirements must be determined.

Consultation: The guarantee bank advises on credit matters and provides security to the principal bank.

Preparation: Thorough preparation increases the chances of being granted a guarantee.

Business plan: With a business plan, the founder proves the profitability of the company.

Risk minimization: The guarantee minimizes the borrower’s personal risk.

Improved conditions: Involving the guarantee bank is often associated with improved credit conditions.

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