Our History
B4AFC (Business for Aging Friendly Communities) began its journey in 2018, when founder Fatma Akgün faced the reality of her parents’ aging struggles and challenges. Driven by a passion for creating inclusive, age-friendly environments and services, Akgün recognized the pressing need for solutions that addressed the specific needs of elderly individuals. The seeds for what would later become B4AFC were planted during the Ataşehir Women Development Center trainings, where the focus was on empowering women and developing strategies to support aging populations. These initial efforts laid the groundwork for the organization’s future growth, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity, empathy, and accessibility in all aspects of life, particularly for the elderly.
Formation of B4AFC Bilişim Teknolojileri ve Stratejik İş Çözümleri A.Ş.
In 2019, recognizing the need to formalize its mission and expand its impact, B4AFC was officially established as B4AFC Bilişim Teknolojileri ve Stratejik İş Çözümleri A.Ş.. The company was structured to provide innovative business solutions and consultancy services, specifically focusing on the growing demand for age-friendly practices in various industries. By offering practical tools, training programs, and strategic consulting, B4AFC set out to revolutionize how businesses and communities serve elderly populations, promoting environments that prioritize dignity, accessibility, and inclusion.
Growth and Expansion
Since its inception, B4AFC has expanded significantly, partnering with a diverse range of organizations and institutions. The company’s core services, including age-friendly training programs, certifications, and consulting, have gained traction across Turkey and internationally. Originally focused on the Ataşehir community, B4AFC’s reach quickly grew to include collaborations with Beşiktaş Municipality and various stakeholders who are committed to making their cities more inclusive and supportive for elderly individuals.
In 2024, B4AFC further broadened its scope by partnering with TÜV Nord to enhance its Age-Friendly Certification process, ensuring that businesses adopt and maintain internationally recognized standards of accessibility and inclusivity. Additionally, B4AFC launched an innovative intranet system in collaboration with Intranet Information Technologies to help businesses implement age-friendly practices more effectively and efficiently.
Collaborations and Partnerships
Strategic partnerships have been a cornerstone of B4AFC’s success. In 2024, the organization partnered with Garanti BBVA retirees’ Yonca Association, solidifying its commitment to the well-being of its members and ensuring elderly populations are not left behind in the digital transformation of financial services. These partnerships focus on empowering elderly individuals through wellness programs, digital literacy, and financial security initiatives.
B4AFC’s ongoing research and development, which began with community-based projects, continues to drive the organization’s ability to innovate and adapt to the evolving needs of elderly populations. Through these partnerships and initiatives, B4AFC has become a leading advocate for age-friendly solutions in Turkey and beyond.
Looking Ahead
As B4AFC continues to grow, the organization remains focused on driving impactful change in how societies care for and include elderly populations. From age-friendly hackathons to business consulting and the Active Aging Initiative, B4AFC is shaping the future by promoting environments where elderly individuals can thrive with dignity, respect, and independence. Looking forward, the organization’s mission remains clear: to build communities that support and celebrate aging, ensuring that every individual can live a fulfilling and meaningful life regardless of their age.