Aiming to empower and encourage female business owners in Armenia and Artsakh, AGBU Women Entrepreneurs (AGBU WE) develops the potential of micro-enterprise or small business owners offering an array of tools, resources and practical experiences. The comprehensive program helps entrepreneurs across the region better understand the essence and features of their business and find ways to maximize their success.
The highly competitive AGBU WE, part of the AGBU EmpowerHer initiative, offers women looking to start up or scale up a micro-enterprise or small business with a full cycle of support, including coursework in entrepreneurism and financial management, business marketing, mentorships, courses on local tax legislation, mini-grants and English language coaching. In addition, AGBU WE provides extensive post-program follow up, counseling and alumni engagement, ensuring the creation of a true network of women supporting women.
Launching or scaling up a business in today's world means being ready for the continually changing landscape facing local entrepreneurs in Armenia. AGBU WE offers a 360 degree cycle of support to educate and empower women to develop strong business plans with the agility to pivot as needed and lean in to the network of EmpowerHer alumni and supporters around the world. Unique features of the program include:
The women of Armenia and Artsakh are ready to take the lead in their businesses and communities. Volunteer as an ANI Language Coach through weekly virtual sessions or offer your expertise as a Business Mentor. Your engagement helps ensure their success. Of course, you can also support by giving financially to this donor-driven program and other facets of AGBU EmpowerHer.
Lusine Paronyan from Ijevan is the founder of Vanane handmade and hand-painted bags. Participating in the Program helped her advance her entrepreneurial knowledge, enrich professional network, and make lifelong friends. Watch the success stories of our beneficiaries.
We extend our appreciation to 22 women entrepreneurs from Artsakh who, despite the critical situation, participated in the Program to develop their entrepreneurial skills and knowledge to run their businesses effectively. In April, the Program launched its Workplace Fundamentals phase.
Women's Economic Empowerment in South Causauses project implemented by AGBU WE in partnership with UNDP is successfully completed. Due to the project, 24 women entrepreneurs received mini-grants, and 15 participants took part in a three-month training to advance their job skills.
Each year in December, AGBU's women entrepreneurs participate in the largest Christmas Market Expo, offering important visibility for their diverse businesses. In 2022, 40 beneficiaries from Armenia and Artsakh showcased their products at the Expo from December 23-27.
Due to cooperation with German Sparkassenstiftung Armenia, the beneficiaries of the AGBU WE Program receive training to increase their financial and entrepreneurial literacy and advance marketing skills.
