…This program is currently in progress…

Description and Goal

The Digital Empowerment for Enterprises Displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh program aims to support business owners from Nagorno-Karabakh who have been forcibly displaced and are looking to revive their businesses in Armenia. This program is supported by the “Digital Transformation of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Eastern Partnership Countries” (DT4SME), funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by GIZ GmbH. It is being implemented in Armenia by VIA Fund and Impact Hub Yerevan.

This entrepreneurship support program focuses on capacity building, knowledge sharing, and digitalization. It will consist of two rounds, each lasting 8 months. 

Each round will culminate in a pitching event where the most promising businesses will receive digital tools and resources to aid their growth and sustainability.

VIA Fund and Impact Hub Yerevan will equip participants with essential capacity-building skills through customized workshops, knowledge-sharing, and digitalization capabilities. 

The program aims to assist forcibly displaced individuals in regaining economic independence and integrating into the Armenian community. The goal is to help displaced businesses from Nagorno-Karabakh re-open and digitalize their operations in Armenia.

Benefits

The program provides access to Impact Hub Yerevan’s unique ecosystem free of charge and includes:

• Capacity Building: Valuable skills and knowledge to adapt and thrive in a new market

• Digitalization Support: Access to digital tools and resources to enhance business operations.

• Networking Opportunities: Access to other entrepreneurs, experts, and potential investors.

• Pitching Event: The opportunity to present your business to a panel of judges and secure additional support. 

• Comprehensive Support: Ongoing mentorship and guidance throughout the program.
• Procurement Opportunity: The most promising businesses will receive digital tools and resources for their growth and sustainability.

Those who complete the program will also have the opportunity to sign up for a special Alumni Membership at Impact Hub Yerevan, giving them the ability to maintain long-term relationships and enjoy the benefits that Impact Hub Yerevan has to offer beyond the scope of their program.

The program targets SMEs and business owners from Nagorno-Karabakh who have been forcibly displaced and are looking to re-establish their businesses in Armenia. The main target regions are Ararat, Kotayk, Shirak, and Syunik.

Eligibility 

We invite all eligible SMEs and business owners from Nagorno-Karabakh to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to rebuild and grow your businesses in Armenia. To be eligible for the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Provide evidence of a past business in Artsakh.
• Have a clear business plan outlining strategies for re-opening.
• Demonstrate a willingness to adapt their business and integrate into the current community/region.
• Have an interest in digitalizing their business.
• Show a commitment to contributing to the local economy and community.
• Must agree to the terms and conditions of the program and show a willingness to actively participate.

Brought to you by The German Government, GIZ, VIA Fund, and Impact Hub Yerevan.