…This program is open for applications…
Do you have a bold idea that could transform agriculture? Join our year-long incubation program at Impact Hub Yerevan, where monthly workshops, dedicated trackers, and expert mentors will guide you to take your startup to the next level, step by step!
Program Overview
The ACBA Federation Fellowship Incubation Program 2025 aims to inspire, connect, and empower entrepreneurs, individuals/teams by providing the practical tools, resources, and meaningful connections needed to create impactful solutions, create jobs, and foster economic growth. Impact Hub Yerevan has actively partnered with the ACBA Federation since 2018. Since then, nearly 150 individuals have participated in this program!
Program Objectives/Goals
- Foster Innovation: Empower participants to create and develop innovative solutions that address challenges in agriculture, rural development, agro-tourism, and the healthy food sector.
- Support Entrepreneurship: Provide aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage startups the tools, resources, and mentorship needed to turn bold ideas into impactful businesses.
- Promote Sustainable Development: Encourage eco-friendly and sustainable practices across all project areas to contribute to long-term economic growth and environmental preservation.
- Build a Community: Connect participants with a wide network of industry leaders, peers, and experts to inspire collaboration and shared learning.
- Create Impact: Drive job creation and rural economic development through successful startup ventures, contributing to Armenia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Who Can Apply?
- Aspiring entrepreneurs, early-stage startups, and innovators with bold ideas.
- Individuals or teams regardless of whether or not they are registered as a business yet.
- Entrepreneurs and early-stage startups that are committed to attending program activities.
- Individuals and teams whose initiatives align with these sectors:
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- Agriculture (i.e. harvesting solutions, crop preservation & transportation, technological solutions, rural community development, etc.)
- Rural development (i.e. field protection, water and/or waste management, minimizing disaster risks, eco-friendly/green projects, plastic recycling, etc.)
- Agro-tourism (i.e. family farming, farm stores, farm-tourism, local winemaking, mini cheese factories, mini cattle farms, etc.)
- Ideas for the development of the healthy food sector
- Innovative technologies of winemaking and viticulture
What You Will Get
- Inspiring workshops designed to spark creativity and entrepreneurial drive (idea validation, business modeling, social entrepreneurship, circular economy, artificial intelligence, Marketing, fundraising, financial management, pitching, etc.)
- Professional Mentorship
- Inspiring working space
- Support in motivating you to push boundaries and think beyond the ordinary
- Peer-to-peer learning
- Access to ACBA Federation-wide network and industry leaders
- Engage daily with a dynamic community of over 350 creative innovators from Impact Hub Yerevan and connect with 1,000 professionals and experts throughout the program.
- A global network of more than 120 Impact Hubs across 60+ countries
- The top three participants of the mid-way pitch will receive the opportunity to join the “reArmenia” academy for their Fundraising Program.
- Opportunity for top performers to compete for up to 1,200,000 AMD in the final pitch at the end of the program
Program Timeline
- Application Deadline: February 12, 2025
- Program Start Date: March 2025
- Program End Date: February 2026
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed based on the following criteria:
- Accuracy of Application Form: Completeness, clarity, and alignment of the information provided with the program’s objectives.
- Value Creation: Well-defined description of how the idea creates value.
- Business Model is Well-Formulated: Structured and logical approach to how the venture operates and basic understanding of the market.
- Financial Viability: The idea’s potential to achieve financial sustainability.
- Business Idea is Innovative/Creative: Originality and creativity, emphasizing fresh solutions to existing problems.
- Execution capacity and motivation: The applicant should have the planning and organizational skills, necessary time, energy, motivation, and availability to dedicate to the venture.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews, and the final selection will be made by a jury committee from the ACBA Federation and Impact Hub Yerevan.
