…This program is currently in progress…
Description and Goal
The Vahé & Lucie Foundation Fellowship in Creative Industries is a 1-year program by Impact Hub Yerevan and the Vahé & Lucie Foundation to empower individuals who are undertaking art and culture-related projects including research and/or the creation of new organizations or start-ups in Armenia.
The fellowship aims to inspire, connect and enable creative entrepreneurs, researchers, or organizations to do their best work in a supportive, inspiring environment that includes over 340 of Armenia’s best and brightest changemakers with over 110 organizations, enterprises and initiatives represented.
This fellowship program offers workshops, one-on-one mentoring, membership to Impact Hub Yerevan, and the chance for the best participants to receive a cash prize at the end of the fellowship.
Benefits
The fellowship provides access to Impact Hub’s unique ecosystem free of charge and includes:
- Workshops developing entrepreneurial knowledge
- Mentorship by entrepreneurs/professionals in their area of practice
- Membership at Impact Hub Yerevan
- The opportunity to work from an inspiring space
- Facilitated professional networking and peer learning with 340+ innovative members at Impact Hub Yerevan
- Access to a global network from 100+ Impact Hubs around the world
- Visibility on all of Impact Hub Yerevan’s major platforms
- The best 5 ideas will receive a financial award of $3,000 at the end of the project
Timeline
The length of the fellowship is one year.
Application deadline: April 7, 2024
Start date: April 2024
Target Group
The target group of this program includes individuals, researchers, NGOs, businesses, social entrepreneurs, or projects with an idea that is focused on the creative industries in Armenia, including, but not limited to:
- Visual arts
- Crafts (such as weaving, furniture design and jewelry design)
- Film, TV, animation, visual effects, video, radio and photography
- Video games, virtual reality and extended reality (VR and XR)
- Museums, galleries and cultural heritage-related undertakings
- Writing, publishing and libraries
- Design, including product design, graphic design and fashion
- Architecture and urban design
- Culinary arts
Eligibility
Bold and daring individuals/teams implementing ideas in the creative industries are eligible to apply.
Those selected for the Fellowship program must commit to pursuing their initiative as a top priority (i.e. with at least 70% of their time) and promise to participate in at least 70% of programs, events and community activities at Impact Hub Yerevan.
About Vahe & Lucie
Vahé Fattal studied painting at the National School of Fine arts in Paris. He was a painter and a graphic designer who founded his own full-service design and advertising agency that serviced entertainment and corporate accounts such as ABC Television, the “big 5” Hollywood movie studios, National Geographic, Nissan, UCLA Extension, First Interstate Bank, etc. Creative services included all aspects of corporate identity and communications, advertising and marketing campaigns, motion picture and television campaigns, and motion graphics and branding.
Vahé was also the designer of the raised-first Karabakh symbol and posters (1988), the designer of the flag of Karabakh (1998), one of the original founders of the Golden Apricot International Film Festival (2004) and the designer of its visual identity, the designer of Armenia Fund’s Telethon “Make it Happen” advertising campaign (2004), the art director of AIM/Armenian International Magazine (1990-1992), etc.
Lucie Fattal was a University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) graduate with a Master’s degree in philosophy and French literature. She then attended the intensive French Language and Civilization courses (CCFS) at Sorbonne University in Paris before meeting and marrying Vahé. Together they shared a commitment to and a passion for all things Armenian, higher education, the arts and exploring the world.
…The application deadline is approaching…
Description
AXEL’24 will help validated and market-proven social enterprises to accelerate their growth. The acceleration program will support social enterprises with high growth potential in developing their ventures and products towards marketability, making them investment-ready by providing access to professional networks, expert consultancy, entrepreneurship knowledge, and mentorship.
Goals & Benefits
The acceleration program is designed as an intensive training and mentorship program that will enable you to boost your product, scale your business and impact, and attract investors.
The acceleration journey will offer you:
- Up to 10 sessions related to Investment Readiness, Impact Measurement, Scaleup models, and more.
- Up to 15 hours of one-on-one mentoring sessions with accomplished experts and practitioners.
Participation in the program will allow you to:
- Establish strong links and connections by providing access to national and international networks,
- Improve your investment readiness by building your growth strategy and investment case in a structured way,
- Introduce you to a pool of potential business angels, investors, and potential partners,
- Support you in scaling up your business/impact and accessing new markets,
- Create your impact measurement and management system,
- Focus on customer development measures and commercialization of your product․
Overall, the program will provide you with non-financial support, in the form of knowledge and expertise to accelerate learning, and will provide a network that both challenges and encourages entrepreneurs as your company grows. Additionally, for the most successful participants, the program will facilitate access to capital including access to the VIA Fund developed within the Collaborate for Impact Project.
Timeline
The length of the program is 7 months (May – November, 2024)
Application Deadline: March 25, 2024, 23:59 (Armenian Local Time)
Implementation type: Hybrid (online and in-person workshops)
Eligibility
We welcome purpose-driven entrepreneurs who are working on a scalable solution to societal challenges. In order to be eligible for the program you have to be:
- Registered in Armenia as a Foundation, LLC, NGO, or Individual Entrepreneur (I.E.). for 1 or more years,
- A social enterprise as defined by the European Commission,
- Generating revenue.
…This program is currently in progress…
Description
The Zartir Fellowship is a year-long program at Impact Hub Yerevan that will support social entrepreneurs, individuals, researchers, businesses, or projects engaged in, or interested in, implementing approaches that are focused on one of the topics listed below.
Focus Areas
Focus areas may include (but are not limited to):
- Welfare of veterans
- Maternal well-being
- Child welfare (in particular concerning malnutrition and nutrition education)
- Domestic violence
- Animal rights and welfare (including managing street dogs/cats)
- Welfare of people with disabilities
Benefits
The fellowship provides access to Impact Hub’s unique ecosystem free of charge and includes:
- Workshops developing entrepreneurial knowledge
- Coaching/Mentorship
- Educational programs and events
- Visibility on all of Impact Hub Yerevan’s major platforms
- Membership at Impact Hub Yerevan
- Access to 100+ Impact Hubs globally
- Opportunity to work from an inspiring space
- Peer-to-peer learning
- A collaborative community and global network
- Professional networking with over 340 creative innovators
- + Best 2 projects/researches will be awarded financial support of $1,000 upon successfully completing the Fellowship Program.
The fellowship aims to inspire, connect, and enable social entrepreneurs to address social issues and to do their best work in a supportive, inspiring environment that includes over 340 of Armenia’s best and brightest changemakers with over 110 organizations, enterprises, and initiatives represented.
Those who complete the fellowship 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 fellowship.
Timeline
- The length of the fellowship is one year.
- Application deadline: March 10, 2024 | 23:59 (Armenian Local Time)
Participants included in the program must commit to demonstrating proper participation, which implies high performance, conscientious presence, and active participation in all possible events and courses.
The selected projects are expected to produce a minimum viable product (MVP) by the end of their fellowship.
…This program is currently in progress…
Description
The Vahé & Lucie Foundation is launching a comprehensive capacity development program in creative industries, specifically designed for forcibly displaced young people from Artsakh. This transformative initiative is set to commence in February and spans 16 months.
In a strategic progression, following the initial months, the participants will seamlessly transition into the Vahé & Lucie Foundation Incubation Program in April. This collaborative phase will involve their integration with 15 other participants, further expanding their network and opportunities for collaborative learning.
The Vahé & Lucie Foundation Incubation Program will serve as a continuation of their capacity-building journey, offering additional training sessions, workshops, and resources to augment their skills and knowledge.
Goal and Benefits
The Special Edition of this program is tailored to offer a unique and personalized experience for
the participants. The primary objective is to guide and assist five individuals or teams throughout the program in the development, validation, and implementation of their creative entrepreneurial ideas.
The overarching goal is for these participants to graduate with enhanced skills, knowledge, and networks, thereby making significant contributions to the growth and fortification of the creativity and creative industries sector in Armenia.
Each individual or team enrolled in the program will benefit from:
- Professional individual support
- Workshops on idea validation, business modeling, marketing, fundraising, financial management, pitching, etc.
- Mentorship/Coaching
- Membership at Impact Hub Yerevan
- Opportunity to work from an inspiring space
- Peer-to-peer learning and various networking events
- Professional networking with over 350 creative innovators
- Access to 110+ Impact Hubs globally
- A financial award of $1,500
This monetary support is intended to be utilized for acquiring tools, equipment, software, or any other necessities crucial to the development and success of their creative projects. The allocation of these funds will be based on the specific needs identified during the program, ensuring that each participant receives tailored support to maximize the impact of their entrepreneurial endeavors.
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 its programs.
Timeline
- The length of the program is one and a half years
- Application deadline: Feb 18, 2024, 11:59 PM (Yerevan time)
Eligibility
The target group of this program is individuals, researchers, NGOs, businesses, social
entrepreneurs, or projects that have progressed beyond the ideation phase and are focused on
the creative industries in Armenia, including, but not limited to։
- Music, performing arts, visual arts
- Crafts (such as weaving, furniture-design and jewelry-design)
- Film, TV, animation, visual effects, video, radio and photography
- Video games, virtual reality and extended reality
- Museums, galleries and cultural heritage related undertakings
- Writing, publishing and libraries
- Design, including product design, graphic design and fashion
- Architecture and urban design
- Advertising and marketing
- Culinary arts
Participants included in the program must commit to demonstrating proper participation, which implies high performance, conscientious presence, and active participation in all possible events and courses.
…Applications to this program have closed…
Description
The “Impact Abroad: Support for Russian Entrepreneurs in Launching Business Abroad” five-month program is created to assist Russian entrepreneurs aiming to transfer or start their entrepreneurial activities in a new country of residence.
Goal & Benefits
The program aims to create favorable conditions for entrepreneurs to offer quality goods and services, generating employment for the local population and contributing to the economic development of the host country.
It will act to boost Russian impact entrepreneurs to kickstart businesses abroad. The program entails training in local laws, regulations and business practices, immersed in cultural contexts with a heavy emphasis on building necessary networks both locally and internationally.
All participants of the program will reap the benefits of Impact Hub Yerevan’s unique ecosystem throughout the year.
Other benefits of the program include:
- Hands-on tailor-made support independently in each selected location
- Tailored workshops and learning sessions
- Individual Mentorship
- Networking (facilitated by events)
- One-on-one support in networking
- Opportunity to work from our inspiring space
- Membership at Impact Hub Yerevan
- Professional networking with over 350 creative innovators
- Online access to professionals from 110+ Impact Hubs globally
Timeline
- The length of the program is five months
- Application deadline: February 25, 2024, 11:59 PM (Moscow time)
Eligibility
We’re looking for accomplished Russian impact entrepreneurs with businesses that are either operating or are in the scaling stage. This includes those who are planning to start or expand a business in a new country where they’ve immigrated or will soon. If you are ready to bring your product to market, register an entity, and run operations in Armenia, this program is for you! The criteria are as follows:
- Successful entrepreneurial experience in Russia
- The applicant (or their representatives) must be outside of Russia at the start of the program.
- Anti-war values and strong personal purpose
- A concept for the business in a new location (either new or scale-up of the existing venture)
- Strong motivation to create ties to and positively contribute to Armenia
- Ready to participate in the program in English.
Participants included in the program must commit to demonstrating proper participation, which implies high performance, conscientious presence, and active participation in all possible events and courses.
…This program is currently in progress…
Program Objectives
Our vision is to empower women from Artsakh on their path toward resilience and self-sufficiency after being forcefully displaced to Armenia.
Our objectives include the following:
Equip participants with new knowledge and skills that are tailored to their needs, interests and the unique challenges they face,
- Provide participants with soft and technical skills, networks and individualized mentorship to evolve professionally according to their project in their chosen industry,
- Enhance the employability of participants by connecting them with professional employers and providing them with necessary resources to build their own businesses.
Program Components
The SLATSK program will provide reskilling trainings in three different industries. This program component is supported by the Armenian International Women’s Association (AIWA) – Empower Path Initiative.
- Beauty sector (manicure and brows), delivered by HAZE Academy
Participants will select either manicure or brows technical training and will receive training in their chosen field, depending on the selection of the participants. These courses will be delivered by leading experts from Haze Academy.
The training course will last 2 to 3 weeks.
- Textile sector, delivered by Art House
Participants will receive comprehensive training in the design and sewing of various types of garments, including a general theory of modeling, use of equipment and sewing machines, measurements, and construction of drawings.
The training course will last 4 months and will be delivered by Art House training center.
- Food business sector
Participants will receive training on specialized business skills necessary for the food sector. The training curriculum will be adapted to the needs and requirements of the participants. This could include food safety and hygiene regulations; menu planning and development; food presentation; customer service; pricing and cost control; operations management; licensing and permits; catering and event planning.
The training course will last 4 months.
In addition to re-skilling, the program will build the capacity of the participants in the following way:
- Soft skills training will be delivered to enable participants to enter and navigate the Armenian workforce with ease and confidence. The final curriculum will be tailored to the participants’ needs, and it could include sessions on communication, negotiation, time management, and more.
- Wellbeing and mental health support sessions will accompany participants through any obstacles they may face. This could include sessions on stress management, self-care, building healthy habits, and more.
- Entrepreneurial skills courses will be provided to enable participants to build and develop their own businesses in one of the three sectors (beauty, textile, or food business). This could include training on business models, financial management, marketing, and more.
Timeline
- The length of the program is 4 months
- Application deadline: February 2, 2024, 11:59 PM (Armenian local time)
Who can apply
This program is intended for women from Artsakh, based in Yerevan or the surrounding regions, looking for training and professional opportunities, and willing to work in beauty, textile or food services.
While filling in the application form, you must demonstrate your motivation to acquire new knowledge, learn new skills, and find employment. Please note that the program contains a significant time commitment and complete attendance in all workshops is a mandatory condition for participating in the program. This includes both the re-skilling training and the capacity-building component.
If your application passes the first stage, the Hub Artsakh team will contact you for an interview. Applicants who pass the interview stage successfully will be invited to join the program.
If you have any questions regarding the Program, call us at +374 99 707932.
…The application deadline is approaching…
Description
The joint Fellowship of ACBA Federation and Impact Hub Yerevan is a one-year entrepreneurial incubation program that supports budding entrepreneurs who are aiming to tackle issues in the agricultural sector in Armenia through innovative approaches.
Goal & Benefits
The fellowship aims to inspire, connect, and enable budding entrepreneurs to develop and realize new ideas that have a positive social impact. They will do their best work in a supportive environment that includes over 350 of Armenia’s best and brightest entrepreneurs, mentors, individuals, and representatives of over 150 organizations, enterprises, and initiatives.
The goal of the fellowship is to support entrepreneurs by arming them with knowledge about entrepreneurship, developing various sectoral skills, and offering them the opportunity to create connections in the sector.
This year our prize money has DOUBLED! At the end of the program, 2,000,000 AMD of seed funding will be split between the top teams as selected by a jury following a pitching event.
All participants of the program will reap the benefits of Impact Hub Yerevan’s unique ecosystem throughout the year, which includes:
- Professional individual support
- Workshops on idea validation, business modeling, Marketing, fundraising, financial management, pitching etc.
- Mentorship/Coaching
- Membership at Impact Hub Yerevan
- Opportunity to work from an inspiring space
- Peer-to-peer learning and various networking events
- Professional networking with over 350 creative innovators
- Access to 110+ Impact Hubs globally
- Access to ACBA Federation’s wide network in the agriculture industry
- 2,000,000 AMD of seed funding will be split among the most outstanding teams
Those who complete the fellowship 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 fellowship.
Timeline
- The length of the fellowship is one year
- Application deadline: February 25, 2024, 11:59 PM (Armenian local time)
Eligibility
The selected projects should belong to one of the following areas:
- 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
- And any project related to agriculture
Participants included in the program must commit to demonstrating proper participation, which implies high performance, conscientious presence, and active participation in all possible events and courses.
What is Happening?
For weeks, Armenia and international observers warned that the government of Azerbaijan was gathering troops near Artsakh’s (Nagorno-Karabakh’s) border, preparing an attack on the 120,000 Armenians residing in the enclave, who have already been subjected to a blockade for 9 months, bringing the population to the brink of famine, in what is being characterized by experts around the globe as attempted genocide.
In the early hours of Tuesday, September 19, Azerbaijan began a military offensive. After days of much violence, death, and destruction, a precarious ceasefire agreement was signed, followed by a mass exodus of Armenians fleeing from Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) to the Republic of Armenia.
These forcibly displaced Armenians are met with humanitarian aid in the border village of Kornidzor, in the Syunik Region, where they are registered and shown further humanitarian support.
Our Impact Hub Syunik team, supported by team members from Impact Hub Yerevan and Impact Hub Candidate Gyumri, are on the grounds in Goris assessing the needs and providing assistance where possible.
Meanwhile, the government of Azerbaijan is setting the stage for what may become a brutal attack on the sovereign nation of Armenia, leaving Armenians everywhere to face an existential crisis.
If this is the first time that you have heard about this issue and would like to learn more, please consider the following resources:
Politico Article
Context Video (published before the recent attacks)
Follow-Up Explainer Video
We also encourage you to do your own research and follow the breaking news stories, as events are developing by the minute.
What Can You Do?
✅ Make a Donation
✅ Support Organizations and Initiatives
✅ Raise Awareness
Impact Hub Syunik Rapid Response Fund
Our dear Impact Hub Syunik team is on the ground in Goris, keeping a close eye on the processes taking place with the relief efforts, working with various organizations, and taking note of any pressing gaps and needs wherever possible.
Often, there are issues that can be resolved more quickly and dynamically by members of our team (with your help) in order to respond more rapidly and without extra hindrances caused by bureaucracy.
As a result, we have decided to open an Impact Hub Syunik Rapid Response Fund, which is accessible to our team members in Syunik so they can make quick and necessary purchases as needed.
There are two methods for making donations to the Fund.
1.) Visit our website and fill out the form to make a donation:
Please select Impact Hub Syunik Rapid Response Fund in the Donation Purpose field.
2.) Make a direct donation to the following bank account:
Impact Hub Armenia Social Innovation Development Fund
TIN: 01264632
Account Number: 1570052580490200
Bank: “Ameriabank” CJSC
Իմփաքթ Հաբ Հայաստան սոցիալական նորարության զարգացման հիմնադրամ
ՀՎՀՀ՝ 01264632
Հ/Հ՝ 1570052580490200
Բանկ՝ “Ամերիաբանկ” ՓԲԸ
We will provide reports at a later date giving full transparency on how the funds have been utilized.
What We’ve Done So Far
📍 Our dedicated members of Impact Hub Syunik volunteered in Kornidzor, where they assisted in the registration of individuals who had been forcibly displaced.
📍 Members of Impact Hub Yerevan traveled to Goris and engaged in various volunteer activities, ranging from physical labor to support in distributing food.
📍 In addition, Impact Hub Yerevan collected small toys and distributed them to the children in Goris, bringing smiles to their faces.
📍 50,000 AMD in cash raised by Impact Hub Yerevan was used to purchase blankets, which were also transported to Goris by our team.
📍 1,669,000 AMD donated to our Impact Hub Syunik Rapid Response Fund has been used to purchase 7 washing machines, 7 refrigerators, and 14 electric heaters for 9 displaced families, helping a total of 56 people, including 30 children.
We want to express a big thank you to everyone who has donated to the Rapid Response Fund. Your support means a lot and has helped us provide aid to those in need. Please stay tuned for future updates.
List of Organizations
We believe that the urgency of the situation necessitates a collective effort, and we believe in the power of collaboration to drive positive change.
While we encourage and welcome your active participation in our ongoing initiatives at Impact Hub, we want to emphasize the importance of leveraging existing aid networks efficiently. Our aim is not to reinvent the wheel but to join hands with established organizations that are already making a significant impact in various crucial areas, including clothing, food, shelter, security, and more.
To make your support efforts easier, we’ve consolidated a list of reputable organizations that are actively engaged in providing aid to those affected in Nagorno-Karabakh. We encourage you to conduct your own research and exercise your discretion in choosing the organization that resonates with you.
Remember, every contribution counts and collectively, our impact is immense.
Impact Hub Armenia Network For Artsakh!
Our impactful community of changemakers is already actively engaged in supporting forcibly displaced Armenians through their own meaningful initiatives. Their dedication is nothing short of inspiring, and we want to ensure that their efforts are also acknowledged and amplified.
We’ve consolidated a list of member initiatives from our network working to support those in need!
Raise Awareness
We have crafted assets that can be used to spread the word across social media channels. We invite you to use the assets below or use them as the basis to create your own. Help us to amplify our message and stand in solidarity with the Armenian people.
Text
In light of the recent developments in the Nagorno-Karabakh, our hearts go out to the people in our community and beyond affected by the ongoing conflict. At Impact Hub Network, we firmly stand for #PeaceForAll and solidarity with all who are impacted by these events. 🌍❤️
We want to unequivocally condemn the acts of violence that are violating human rights in Nagorno Karabakh and emphasize the importance of peaceful resolutions. The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh has led to the forcible displacement of 120,000 people, seeking safety in Armenia. The situation is critical and it demands our immediate collective action as a global community.
Here’s how you as an Impact Maker can make a difference:
Support Armenian relief efforts: Contribute to organisations providing humanitarian assistance to those affected by the conflict. Find the full list in our bio. Every contribution counts.
Raise awareness: Share this post and other reliable information about the situation to help educate others. Awareness is a powerful tool for change.
Advocate for peace: Use your voice to call for peaceful resolutions and diplomatic efforts. Together, we can promote dialogue and understanding.
Show solidarity: Let’s stand together as a global network for peace. Express your support and empathy for those facing the consequences of this conflict.
Impact Hub Network believes in the strength of community and positive change. Let’s extend our hands in support, spread the message of solidarity, and work towards a more peaceful world for all. 🌟✨
#ImpactHubForPeace #SolidarityForArmenia #StandForPeace #CommunityForChange #PeaceIsPossible
Visuals
Click here to pick the image that resonates with you.
We value each and every single member of our extended community and thank you for being so strong and supportive during such trying times. We will continue to work together as a community and support one another.
With love, solidarity, and collaboration,
The Impact Hub Yerevan team
…This program is currently in progress…
Description
The Zartir Fellowship is a year-long program at Impact Hub Yerevan that will support social entrepreneurs, individuals, researchers, businesses, or projects engaged in, or interested in, implementing approaches that are focused on one of the topics listed below.
Focus Areas
Focus areas may include (but are not limited to):
- Welfare of veterans
- Maternal well-being
- Child welfare (in particular concerning malnutrition and nutrition education)
- Domestic violence
- Animal rights and welfare (including managing street dogs/cats)
- Welfare of people with disabilities
Benefits
The fellowship provides access to Impact Hub’s unique ecosystem free of charge and includes:
- Workshops developing entrepreneurial knowledge
- Coaching
- Mentorship
- Educational programs and events
- Visibility on all of Impact Hub Yerevan’s major platforms
- Membership at Impact Hub Yerevan
- Access to 100+ Impact Hubs globally
- Opportunity to work from an inspiring space
- Peer-to-peer learning
- A collaborative community and global network
- Professional networking with over 340 creative innovators
- + Best 2 projects/researches will be awarded financial support of $1,000 upon successfully completing the Fellowship Program.
The fellowship aims to inspire, connect, and enable social entrepreneurs to address social issues and to do their best work in a supportive, inspiring environment that includes over 340 of Armenia’s best and brightest changemakers with over 110 organizations, enterprises, and initiatives represented.
Timeline
- The length of the fellowship is one year.
- Application deadline: May 7, 2023 | 23:59 (Armenian Local Time)
- Start date: May, 2023
Participants included in the program must commit to demonstrating proper participation, which implies high performance, conscientious presence and active participation in all possible events and courses.
The selected projects are expected to produce a minimum viable product (MVP) by the end of their fellowship.
…This program is currently in progress…
Description and Goal
The Vahé & Lucie Foundation Fellowship in Creative Industries is a 1-year program by Impact Hub Yerevan and the Vahé & Lucie Foundation to empower individuals who are undertaking art and culture-related projects including research and/or the creation of new organizations or start-ups in Armenia.
The fellowship aims to inspire, connect and enable creative entrepreneurs, researchers, or organizations to do their best work in a supportive, inspiring environment that includes over 340 of Armenia’s best and brightest changemakers with over 110 organizations, enterprises and initiatives represented.
This fellowship program offers workshops, one-on-one mentoring, membership to Impact Hub Yerevan, and the chance for the best participants to receive a cash prize at the end of the fellowship.
Benefits
The fellowship provides access to Impact Hub’s unique ecosystem free of charge and includes:
- Workshops developing entrepreneurial knowledge
- Professional individual coaching by Fellowship Manager
- Mentorship by entrepreneurs/professionals in their area of practice
- Membership at Impact Hub Yerevan
- The opportunity to work from an inspiring space
- Facilitated professional networking and peer learning with 340+ innovative members at Impact Hub Yerevan
- Access to a global network from 100+ Impact Hubs around the world
- Visibility on all of Impact Hub Yerevan’s major platforms
- The best 5 ideas will receive a financial award of $3,000 at the end of the project
Timeline
The length of the fellowship is one year.
Application deadline: May 7, 2023
Start date: May 2023
Target Group
The target group of this program includes individuals, researchers, NGOs, businesses, social entrepreneurs, or projects with an idea that is focused on the creative industries in Armenia, including, but not limited to:
- Visual arts
- Crafts (such as weaving, furniture design and jewelry design)
- Film, TV, animation, visual effects, video, radio and photography
- Video games, virtual reality and extended reality (VR and XR)
- Museums, galleries and cultural heritage-related undertakings
- Writing, publishing and libraries
- Design, including product design, graphic design and fashion
- Architecture and urban design
- Culinary arts
Eligibility
Bold and daring individuals/teams implementing ideas in the creative industries are eligible to apply.
Those selected for the Fellowship program must commit to pursuing their initiative as a top priority (i.e. with at least 70% of their time) and promise to participate in at least 70% of programs, events and community activities at Impact Hub Yerevan.
About Vahe & Lucie
Vahé Fattal studied painting at the National School of Fine arts in Paris. He was a painter and a graphic designer who founded his own full-service design and advertising agency that serviced entertainment and corporate accounts such as ABC Television, the “big 5” Hollywood movie studios, National Geographic, Nissan, UCLA Extension, First Interstate Bank, etc. Creative services included all aspects of corporate identity and communications, advertising and marketing campaigns, motion picture and television campaigns, and motion graphics and branding.
Vahé was also the designer of the raised-first Karabakh symbol and posters (1988), the designer of the flag of Karabakh (1998), one of the original founders of the Golden Apricot International Film Festival (2004) and the designer of its visual identity, the designer of Armenia Fund’s Telethon “Make it Happen” advertising campaign (2004), the art director of AIM/Armenian International Magazine (1990-1992), etc.
Lucie Fattal was a University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) graduate with a Master’s degree in philosophy and French literature. She then attended the intensive French Language and Civilization courses (CCFS) at Sorbonne University in Paris before meeting and marrying Vahé. Together they shared a commitment to and a passion for all things Armenian, higher education, the arts and exploring the world.
…This program is currently in progress…
Description
AXEL’23 will help validated and market-proven social enterprises to accelerate their growth. The acceleration program will support social enterprises with high growth potential in developing their ventures and products towards marketability, making them investment-ready by providing access to professional networks, expert consultancy, entrepreneurship knowledge, and mentorship.
Goals & Benefits
The acceleration program is designed as an intensive training and mentorship program that will enable you to boost your product, scale your business and impact, and attract investors.
The acceleration journey will offer you:
- Up to 10 sessions related to Investment Readiness, Impact Measurement, Scaleup models, and more.
- Up to 15 hours of one-on-one mentoring sessions with accomplished experts and practitioners.
Participation in the program will allow you to:
- Establish strong links and connections by providing access to national and international networks,
- Improve your investment readiness by building your growth strategy and investment case in a structured way,
- Introduce you to a pool of potential business angels, investors, and potential partners,
- Support you in scaling up your business/impact and accessing new markets,
- Create your impact measurement and management system,
- Focus on customer development measures and commercialization of your product․
Overall, the program will provide you with non-financial support, in the form of knowledge and expertise to accelerate learning, and will provide a network that both challenges and encourages entrepreneurs as your company grows. Additionally, for the most successful participants, the program will facilitate access to capital including access to the VIA Fund developed within the Collaborate for Impact Project.
Timeline
The length of the program is 6 months (May – October, 2023)
Application Deadline: April 9, 2023, 23:59 (Armenian Local Time)
Implementation type: Hybrid (online and in-person workshops)
Eligibility
We welcome purpose-driven entrepreneurs who are working on a scalable solution to societal challenges. In order to be eligible for the program you have to be:
- Registered in Armenia as a Foundation, LLC, NGO, or Individual Entrepreneur (I.E.). for 1 or more years,
- A social enterprise as defined by the European Commission,
- Generating revenue.
…This program is currently in progress…
Description
The joint Fellowship of ACBA Federation and Impact Hub Yerevan is a one-year entrepreneurial incubation program that supports budding entrepreneurs who are aiming to tackle issues in the agricultural sector in Armenia through innovative approaches.
Goal & Benefits
The fellowship aims to inspire, connect, and enable budding entrepreneurs to develop and realize new ideas that have a positive social impact. They will do their best work in a supportive environment that includes over 250 of Armenia’s best and brightest entrepreneurs, mentors, and individuals and representatives of over 110 organizations, enterprises, and initiatives.
The goal of the fellowship is to support entrepreneurs by arming them with knowledge about entrepreneurship, developing various sectoral skills, and offering them the opportunity to create connections in the sector. At the end of the program, the top 3 teams will receive a complete branding of their business idea by a skilled design firm as a prize. All participants of the program will reap the benefits of Impact Hub Yerevan’s unique ecosystem over the course of the year, which includes:
- Professional individual coaching
- Mentorship
- Membership at Impact Hub Yerevan
- Opportunity to work from an inspiring space
- Workshops
- Peer-to-peer learning and various networking events
- Professional networking with over 340 creative innovators
- Access to 110+ Impact Hubs globally
- Access to ACBA Federation’s wide network in the agriculture industry
- 3 teams will win complete branding of their business idea including naming (support for choosing a name for the future brand,) logo, and brand book
Timeline
- The length of the fellowship is one year
- Application deadline: February 26, 2023, 11:59 PM (Armenian local time)
Eligibility
The selected projects should belong to one of the following areas:
- 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 farm, etc.)
- Ideas for the development of the healthy food sector
- Innovative technologies of winemaking and viticulture
Participants included in the program must commit to demonstrating proper participation, which implies high performance, conscientious presence and active participation in all possible events and courses.
…This program has been completed…
Description & Goal
Financed by the European Union, this year, the Social Impact Award falls under the scope of the Collaborate for Impact project. The CFI, in turn, is being implemented by the European Venture Philanthropy Association (EVPA) in partnership with Impact Hub Yerevan in Armenia. EVPA is the leading European organization in the field of venture philanthropy and social investment Impact Hub is a space for social innovation and a community with a mission to support social impact projects and enterprises in Armenia.
Since 2009, the Social Impact Award program has been promoting the knowledge and practice of social entrepreneurship among students in Europe and beyond.
This is being achieved by raising awareness for social entrepreneurship, offering an educational program guiding from vague intentions to a social venture, giving access to networks of peers & professionals and directly supporting the most promising ventures.
The program is open for applications, after which 10 successful teams will pass through incubation and professional consultancy at Impact Hub Yerevan, and later 4 out of those 10 will receive seed funding of EUR 1,500 and the opportunity to participate in the Social Impact Award global summit.
The four main areas of the program include:
1. Awareness – Create awareness around social entrepreneurship as a potential career.
2. Education – Provide the youth with the necessary input to found a social enterprise.
3. Community – Enable the youth to get feedback from experts and peers.
4. Support – Support the youth with know-how, incubation, and seed funding.
Check out more on the program website.
Objectives
- Raise greater awareness of social entrepreneurship in Armenia and in the region
- Support students, youth and early-stage social entrepreneurs in developing and implementing innovative business solutions to tackle societal challenges
- Aid the development of entrepreneurial skills through exposure to the field
- Support the best teams with financial capital and active support throughout the year
- Connect participants with an international community of entrepreneurs, peers, and experts
Summary
If you are between the ages of 15 – 30 and have an amazing idea that has the potential to be a successful social venture, then this is the project for you!
During the program, you will be given a set of tools including education, support, consultation and a strong support network.
You might become one of the 10 selected project ideas that will compete for 1,500 EUR and the opportunity to participate in this year’s Social Impact Award Global Summit!
Apply to Social Impact Award 2022 by: July 10 at 23:59
Girlopolis
Community Voting Winner
…This program has been completed…
Description
The Izmirlian Tourism Fellowship Program (ITFP) aims to support entrepreneurs, who are tackling tourism issues in Armenia with their innovative approaches, through its specially targeted entrepreneurial incubation curriculum.
Goal & Benefits
The overall objective of the program is to boost early-stage tourism-related startups in their entrepreneurship journey. The specific objective of the fellowship is the Implementation of an incubation program to activate start-ups, validate ideas, and nurture the pipeline of successful business concepts. The program will incorporate workshops on various business topics, one-on-one mentorship sessions, access to facilitated networking events, as well as membership to the Impact Hub network, allowing them to also make use of the coworking space. The fellowship will also encourage the formation of working teams to support the developing ideas, further elevate existing solutions, and build on their strengths to overcome hurdles in the process.
The goal of the fellowship is to support entrepreneurs by offering Impact Hub Yerevan’s unique ecosystem, which includes:
- Professional individual coaching to activate startups, validate ideas, and nurture the pipeline of successful entrepreneurs.
- One-on-one mentorship sessions by entrepreneurs/professionals in their area of practice.
- Membership at Impact Hub Yerevan with access to an inspiring space, network & infrastructure.
- A peer-to-peer learning component with professional networking through facilitated events amidst a community of 350+ creative innovators.
- Access to 100+ Impact Hubs all around the world.
* Please note: This fellowship program does not include financial assistance.
Timeline
- The length of the fellowship is 4 months
- Application deadline: July 10, 2022, 23:59.
- Start date: September 2022.
Eligibility
The Program will target 5 start-ups/emerging businesses with innovative tourism ideas that tackle economic, social, and environmental challenges in the tourism sector. The Program will target both idea-stage start-ups, and early-stage innovative tourism entrepreneurs. Preference will be given to applicants with projects that support tourism development in the Syunik region.
In the case of being selected, the teams must commit to pursuing their initiative as a top priority and promise to participate in at least 60% of workshops and mentoring sessions, events, and community activities at Impact Hub Yerevan.
Supporting vulnerable and displaced people
…This program is currently in progress…
What Is It About
Description
The Stronger Entrepreneurship Ecosystem in Syunik – Supporting vulnerable and displaced people Project is a 12-month project by Impact Hub Yerevan funded through the Rapid response mechanism of the EaP Civil society Facility that supports entrepreneurs who are trying to make Syunik a better place for post-war vulnerable and displaced people through their entrepreneurial solutions.
Goals and Directions
The overall objective of the project is to provide support and strengthen entrepreneurial opportunities in Syunik, by re-skilling post-war vulnerable and displaced people and by addressing their needs, as well as by engaging organizations working with them.
The specific objectives of the Project are to:
- assist teams directly involving or supporting post-war vulnerable/displaced groups in Syunik to develop, validate, and implement their entrepreneurial ideas
- create a physical location in Goris as Impact Hub Candidate Syunik
- connect entrepreneurs to a national and international community of entrepreneurs and mentors
- raise awareness about entrepreneurial role models in Syunik
- Address policy issues to improve the economic environment in the region
Benefits
The incubation phase of the program offers Impact Hub’s unique ecosystem, including:
- professional individual coaching by the Incubation Manager
- mentorship by entrepreneurs/professionals in their area of practice (each project will be matched with a mentor)
- membership at Impact Hub Candidate Syunik with access to an inspiring space & infrastructure
- peer-to-peer learning component and professional networking through facilitated events
- access to 100+ Impact Hubs with 24000+ professionals all over the world
- learning curriculum designed for social impact startups, including training and workshops on financial management, legal management, team management, social entrepreneurship, idea validation, business modeling, fundraising, pitching, public speaking, etc.
* Please note: this incubation program does not include financial assistance
Timeline
- The length of the incubation phase of the program is 6 months
- Application deadline: May 29th, 2022, 23:59 (Yerevan local time)
- Starting time: June 2022
Eligibility
Bold and daring teams (projects and start-ups) in Syunik that address post-war problems faced by post-war vulnerable groups, namely displaced individuals from NK, people with disabilities, women, veterans, orphans, etc. Particular attention on projects that support the rural regions of Syunik affected by the conflict.
Target groups:
- post-war vulnerable/displaced groups and individuals,
- organizations supporting those groups.
Teams selected for the incubation must commit to pursuing their initiative as a top priority (i.e. with at least 50% of their time) and promise to participate in at least 50% of programs, events, and community activities at Impact Hub Candidate Syunik.
The Stronger Entrepreneurship Ecosystem in Syunik – Supporting vulnerable and displaced people Project is financed by the European Union Eastern Partnership Facility and implemented by Impact Hub Yerevan.
…This program is currently in progress…
Description
The Zartir Fellowship is a year-long program at Impact Hub Yerevan that will support social entrepreneurs, individuals, researchers, businesses, or projects engaged in, or interested in, implementing approaches that are focused on one of the topics listed below.
Focus Areas
Focus areas may include (but are not limited to):
- Welfare of veterans
- Maternal well-being
- Child welfare (in particular concerning malnutrition and nutrition education)
- Domestic violence
- Animal rights and welfare (including managing street dogs/cats)
- Welfare of people with disabilities
Benefits
The goal of the fellowship is to support the work of social innovators in Armenia by offering Impact Hub’s unique ecosystem, which includes:
- Professional individual coaching
- Mentorship
- Educational programs and events
- Membership at Impact Hub Yerevan
- Access to 100+ Impact Hubs globally
- Opportunity to work from an inspiring space
- Peer-to-peer learning
- A collaborative community and global network
- Professional networking with over 270 creative innovators
- + Best 2 projects/researches will be awarded financial support of $1,000 upon successfully completing the Fellowship Program.
The fellowship aims to inspire, connect, and enable social entrepreneurs to address social issues and to do their best work in a supportive, inspiring environment that includes over 270 of Armenia’s best and brightest changemakers with over 110 organizations, enterprises, and initiatives represented.
Timeline
- The length of the fellowship is one year.
- Application deadline: May 22, 2022 (Armenian Local Time)
- Start date: June, 2022
In case of receiving the Fellowship, all teams must commit to pursue their initiative as a top priority (i.e. with at least 50% of their time) and promise to participate in 100% of programs, events, and community activities at Impact Hub.
The selected projects are expected to produce a minimum viable product (MVP) by the end of their fellowship.
…This program has been completed…
Description & Goal
The Vahé & Lucie Foundation Fellowship in Creative Industries is a 1-year program by Impact Hub Yerevan & the Vahé & Lucie Foundation to empower individuals who are undertaking art & culture related projects including research and/or the creation of new organizations or start-ups in Armenia.
The fellowship aims to inspire, connect & enable creative entrepreneurs, researchers, or organizations to do their best work in a supportive, inspiring environment that includes over 200 of Armenia’s best & brightest changemakers with over 50 organizations, enterprises & initiatives represented.
This fellowship program offers workshops, one-on-one mentoring, membership at Impact Hub Yerevan & seed funding to assist 15 people to develop, validate & implement their entrepreneurial or research ideas.
Benefits
The fellowship offers Impact Hub’s unique ecosystem, including:
- professional individual coaching by Fellowship Manager
- mentorship by entrepreneurs/professionals in their area of practice (each project will be matched with a mentor)
- membership at Impact Hub Yerevan with access to an inspiring space & infrastructure
- peer-to-peer learning component & professional networking through facilitated events with a community of 200+ creative innovators
- access to 100+ Impact Hubs around the world
- Opportunity for 3 ideas to receive Fellowship Awards in the form of Seed funding – $5,000 each upon completing the Fellowship program.
Timeline
The length of the fellowship is one year.
Application deadline: March 23, 2022
Start date: April, 2022
Target Group
The target group of this program are individuals, researchers, NGOs, businesses, social entrepreneurs, or projects with an idea that is focused on the creative industries in Armenia, including, but not limited to:
- Music, performing arts, visual arts
- Crafts (such as weaving, furniture design & jewelry design)
- Film, TV, animation, visual effects, video, radio & photography
- Video games, virtual reality & extended reality
- Museums, galleries & cultural heritage related undertakings
- Writing, publishing & libraries
- Design, including product design, graphic design & fashion
- Architecture & urban design
- Advertising & marketing
- Culinary arts
Eligibility
Bold & daring individuals/teams implementing ideas in the creative industries are eligible to apply.
Those selected for the Fellowship program must commit to pursuing their initiative as a top priority (i.e. with at least 70% of their time) & promise to participate in at least 70% of programs, events & community activities at Impact Hub Yerevan.
About Vahe and Lucie
Vahé studied painting at the National School of Fine arts in Paris. He was a painter & a graphic designer who founded his own full-service design & advertising agency that serviced entertainment & corporate accounts such as ABC Television, the “big 5” Hollywood movie studios, National Geographic, Nissan, UCLA Extension, First Interstate Bank, etc. Creative services included all aspects of corporate identity & communications, advertising & marketing campaigns, motion picture & television campaigns, & motion graphics & branding.
Vahé was also the designer of the raised-first Karabakh symbol & posters (1988), the designer of the flag of Karabakh (1998), one of the original founders of the Golden Apricot International Film Festival (2004) & the designer of its visual identity, the designer of Armenia Fund’s Telethon “Make it Happen” advertising campaign (2004), the art director of AIM/Armenian International Magazine (1990-1992), etc.
Lucie was a University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) graduate with a Master’s degree in philosophy & French literature. She then attended the intensive French Language & Civilization courses (CCFS) at Sorbonne University in Paris before meeting & marrying Vahé. Together they shared a commitment to & a passion for all things Armenian, higher education, the arts & exploring the world․
…This program is currently in progress…
Description
The ACBA Federation / Impact Hub Yerevan Fellowship program is a year-long entrepreneurial incubation program at Impact Hub Yerevan that supports entrepreneurs who are aiming to tackle agricultural issues in Armenia through innovative approaches.
Goal & Benefits
The fellowship aims to inspire, connect, and enable entrepreneurs to develop and realize new ideas that have a positive impact and to do their best work in a supportive environment that includes over 250 of Armenia’s best and brightest entrepreneurs, mentors, and individuals with over 110 organizations/enterprises/initiatives represented.
The goal of the fellowship is to support entrepreneurs by offering one lucky team an award of 1,000,000 AMD in addition to the benefits of Impact Hub’s unique ecosystem, which includes:
- Professional individual coaching
- Mentorship
- Membership at Impact Hub Yerevan
- Opportunity to work from an inspiring space
- Peer-to-peer learning
- Professional networking with over 250 creative innovators
- Access to 100+ Impact Hubs globally
- Access to ACBA Federation’s wide network in the agriculture industry
- + One team will win an award of 1,000,000 AMD
Timeline
- The length of the fellowship is one year
- Application deadline: February 20, 2022, 23:59 (Armenian local time)
Eligibility
The projects we will select for the fellowship should belong to one of the following areas:
- 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 farm, etc. )
In case of receiving the Fellowship, all teams must commit to pursue their initiative as a top priority (i.e. with at least 50% of their time) and promise to participate in 100% of programs, events, and community activities at Impact Hub.
The selected projects are expected to produce a minimum viable product (MVP) by the end of their fellowship
…This program is currently in progress…
What to Expect
Description
The Nagorno-Karabakh Entrepreneurship Incubation Program is an 8-month program by Hub Artsakh and Impact Hub Yerevan that supports young changemakers from Nagorny Karabakh who want to contribute to the development of the region through their entrepreneurial solutions.
Goal & Benefits
The overall objectives of the project are to strengthen the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Nagorny Karabakh and support innovative solutions to post-war issues.
The specific objective of the project is to run our first Entrepreneurship Incubation Program that will
- Assist 12 to 15 entrepreneurs and startups to develop, validate and implement their social innovation ideas,
- Connect entrepreneurs to a national and international community of entrepreneurs, mentors, and philanthropic investors, and
- Raise awareness about role models of entrepreneurs in Nagorny Karabakh.
The incubation offers the unique ecosystem of Hub Artsakh and Impact Hub Yerevan, including:
- Mentorship by entrepreneurs/professionals in their area of practice (each project will be matched with a mentor)
- Membership at Hub Artsakh with access to an inspiring space & infrastructure, as well as the opportunity to work from Impact Hub Yerevan three days a month.
- Peer-to-peer learning component and professional networking through facilitated events with a community of creative innovators
- Learning curriculum designed for social impact startups, including trainings and workshops on financial management, legal management, team management, social entrepreneurship, idea validation, business modeling, fundraising, pitching and public speaking, etc.
* Please note: this incubation program does not include financial assistance
Timeline
- The length of the incubation is 8 months
- Application deadline: December 6th, 2021, 23:59 (Stepanakert local time)
- Starting time: late January 2022
Eligibility
Bold and daring teams/individuals implementing solutions to post-war issues that contribute to the development of Nagorny Karabakh are eligible to apply.
Teams selected for the incubation must commit to pursuing their initiative as a top priority (i.e., with at least 80% of their time) and promise to participate in at least 80% of programs, events, and community activities at Hub Artsakh.
How to Apply
Fill in the application form by December 6, 2020. The application may be completed in English or Armenian.
…This program has been completed…
What: A series of workshops on social entrepreneurship followed by a funding competition
When & Where: Yerevan, Armenia – August 2021 (subject to change)
Organizers: The Prague Civil Society Centre and Impact Hub Yerevan
Languages: English and Armenian (participants will give their presentations in English and mentoring sessions will be held in Armenian)
Who: Up to 15 organisations will be chosen to participate.
What the Programme is About
Are you a member of a non-profit, civil society organisation or independent media outlet in Armenia with an idea for a social business that can boost your sustainability? The Prague Civil Society Centre and Impact Hub Yerevan invite you to submit your idea and apply for a series of workshops on social entrepreneurship followed by a funding competition.
What to Expect
The aim of the programme is to help civil society organisations working to promote democracy, human rights, rule of law, good governance and civic participation to develop a social business idea that will boost their sustainability. All kinds of non-profits, civic associations and independent media are also eligible to apply.
Participants will work with mentors to refine their business model and practice pitching it to potential investors. Following the workshop, selected participants can compete for start-up funding for their social business idea from the Prague Civil Society Centre. Established social businesses connected to the aforementioned entities can apply for additional investment as well.
Schedule
Workshop (4 days): In-depth, intensive mentoring on business models, storytelling and pitching techniques, presentation of pitches and feedback.
After the workshop: Based on the feedback received at the workshop, participants will submit proposals for their social business to the Prague Civil Society Centre in a funding competition.
Who Should Apply?
Your organisation is encouraged to apply if:
– You have an idea for a social business that will contribute to the sustainability of your civil society organisation supporting social good or directly contribute to your social mission.
– You want to take your idea to the implementation stage. You want to learn more about social entrepreneurship from experts in the field.
– You are looking for a funding opportunity for your social business.
How to Apply
Please only submit one application per organisation. Selected organisations can choose up to two representatives to participate in the programme.
Fill in the application form by July 11, 2020. The application must be completed in English.
