Hot Spot Diplomacy
How Edward Djerejian’s Armenian identity helped build diplomatic bridges in the Middle East
Image
January 27, 2026
AGBU Partners with She’s Next, Empowered by Visa Initiative to Support Armenia’s Women Entrepreneurs
-
Image
The Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) is pleased to support Visa, a global leader in digital payments, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to introduce the third wave of She’s Next, Empowered by Visa in Armenia. This global program is dedicated to strengthening the capacity of women entrepreneurs, equipping them with knowledge, visibility, and financial support to grow their ventures sustainably.
The initiative closely complements AGBU’s extensive work in women’s economic development through AGBU Women Entrepreneurs (WE). Part of the AGBU EmpowerHer initiative, AGBU WE supports women looking to start up or scale up a micro-enterprise or small business with a full cycle of support including coursework in entrepreneurship fundamentals, financial management, business marketing, mentorship, basic tax compliance, English coaching, and access to small grants.
In 2026, AGBU assumed the role of operational partner for the program, providing guidance in the candidate selection process and supporting the program’s core organizational functions.
“As a dedicated and long-standing supporter of women-led businesses in Armenia, AGBU is pleased to contribute to this vital initiative. We are excited to witness the ambitious steps women entrepreneurs will take to expand their enterprises through this initiative,” shared Tatevik Manukyan, AGBU WE Program Manager.
A partner since the initiative began in Armenia in 2024, the EBRD will provide training to the top 10 finalists, covering areas such as marketing strategy, pitching techniques, and financial planning.
In January of this year, women entrepreneurs in Armenia were invited to apply for the opportunity to compete for grants aimed at strengthening or scaling their businesses. The competition calls for an “Elevator Pitch” format, requiring participants to present their business value concisely and convincingly.
AGBU Central Board Member Ani Manoukian added, “This new collaboration with Visa strengthens our commitment to expanding opportunities for women in Armenia. We look forward to being part of this initiative as we work together to amplify impact and open new pathways for women across the country to gain financial independence, contribute to Armenia’s growth economy, and set an empowering example for new generations.”
About Visa
Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at cis.visa.com.
About EBRD
The EBRD is a multilateral bank that promotes the development of the private sector and entrepreneurial initiative in 36 economies across three continents. The Bank is owned by 75 countries as well as the EU and the EIB. EBRD investments are aimed at making the economies in its regions competitive, well governed, green, inclusive, resilient and integrated. Since launching its operations in Armenia in 1992, the EBRD has invested nearly €2.6 billion in 232 projects across the financial, corporate, infrastructure and energy sectors, with 83 per cent of funding supporting the development of the private sector. Follow us on the web, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, X and YouTube.
