Three New TRDP-Supported Businesses Open in Artsakh

3 min read

The American University of Armenia (AUA) is delighted to announce the successful launch of three new businesses in Artsakh with the sustained support of the Turpanjian Rural Development Program (TRDP).

Rest Area in Astghashen

July 5 marked the official opening of TRDP beneficiary Vahik Grigoryan’s new business in the Astghashen community of the Askeran region in Artsakh. The event attracted public attention and served as an opportunity to highlight the TRDP goals and objectives and hear about what the program has accomplished directly from the beneficiaries. Artsakh TV covered the event. 

Grigoryan expanded his business enterprise, establishing a private retreat pavilion under the brand name “Edem,” creating two additional jobs in the community. Prior to this endeavor, Grigoryan received two other TRDP business loans: one to open a rest area and another to establish a fish farm.

After the 2020 war in Artsakh, a large number of territories came under the control of Azerbaijan. This significantly reduced the availability of public rest places in Artsakh, causing a measurable increase in the demand for such amenities. Moreover, it became important to equip these pavilions with modern furnishings to better meet customer needs. Hence, Grigoryan decided to apply for a third TRDP-supported loan to improve the existing infrastructure he owned and establish a new “VIP pavilion” with a swimming pool and a modern cabin with a kitchen. The sanitary-hygienic requirements are strictly maintained in the new pavilion, making the place more competitive and appealing.

Grigoryan acknowledges the invaluable support he has received from TRDP in his multiple endeavors, “I am so grateful to TRDP. I would not have been able to realize my business ideas in my home village without the strong support and sustained assistance of the program. I also value the fact that with the help of the program, today I have the opportunity to add value to the community by creating favorable conditions for local residents and guests to relax in this cozy corner of nature.”

Car Wash in Khnatsakh

On July 5, the Stepanakert office of TRDP organized the official opening of Arsen Petrosyan’s newly established business with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by Khnatsakh community head Mher Nikoghosyan and other invited guests. Nikoghosyan praised TRDP’s efforts specifically underscoring the significance of its role in development of communities after the war and its targeted support that has motivated the locals to stay and work in Artsakh. He further emphasized that Arsen Petrosyan’s successful initiative will serve as an example for many other villagers who regularly turn to him looking for assistance, such as what the Turpanjian program is realizing that could benefit them as well.

Patrosyan’s car wash is considered one of the best in Artsakh. It is located in a busy traffic area and is the only one in the community. It is well equipped and its infrastructure, including the water supply and sewage system, are well developed. Petrosyan erected the building from scratch, turning the mound of earth into an impressive car wash. According to customers, this newly-established business is highly beneficial to the local community; it is close at hand for people to use its services and helps the local economy. 

Petrosyan’s car wash was established with a TRDP-backed loan of 3,000,000 AMD, which made possible the construction works and acquisition of the car wash equipment. The business is fully operational and has created two new jobs. 

Chicken Farm in Sos

On July 7, Lira Sargsyan opened her business in Sos, a village in the Martuni region, with support from TRDP.

Determined to establish a small chicken farm in her native village, Sargsyan applied to TRDP and was accepted to the entrepreneurship training program in 2021. Upon completing the training, she developed a comprehensive business plan that was approved for a loan and enabled her to bring her chicken farm idea to fruition. 

The TRDP-supported loan of 600,000 AMD was used for construction works and subsequent acquisition of baby chickens and chicken feed.

“Thanks to the program, now I have a steady source of income,” remarked Sargsyan, whose newly-launched business is now fully operational and has created two permanent jobs in this border village of the Martuni region.

The AUA Turpanjian Rural Development Program provides education, funding and consultations to the existing and startup businesses in the rural communities of Shirak, Tavush, Vayots Dzor, Gegharkunik, Lori, and Ararat provinces of Armenia, as well as in Artsakh and Javakhk (Georgia). The list of eligible communities and eligibility criteria can be found here. The program continues to accept applications for the next round of training.