AUA TRDP Supports New Business in Areni, Vayots Dzor Region
2 min readVAYOTS DZOR, Armenia — The American University of Armenia (AUA) is delighted to announce the opening of a new national cuisine restaurant in the picturesque Areni village of the Vayots Dzor region. This remarkable achievement is made possible through the steadfast support of the AUA Turpanjian Rural Development Program (TRDP), a sponsored initiative committed to fostering entrepreneurship in Armenia’s regions by facilitating establishing or expanding businesses, thereby generating employment opportunities in underserved areas.
The inauguration of the Anna Ghazaryan National Cuisine Restaurant marked a momentous occasion for the village community, uniting fellow villagers and TRDP beneficiaries alike. The carefully chosen traditional ornaments adorning the interior and the breathtaking panoramic windows overlooking the picturesque Areni landscape offer a fresh perspective on the representation of Armenian national cuisine and heritage within the community. The inviting ambiance and unique presentation of traditional Armenian dishes have already attracted the first wave of customers.
In her opening remarks, Ghazaryan expressed profound gratitude for the unwavering support provided by TRDP to her family’s business endeavors. Remarkably, this marks the Ghazaryan family’s third business initiative supported by TRDP. Therefore, Ghazaryan encouraged all participants to consider TRDP as a valuable resource for promoting their business ideas, highlighting the transformative impact of the program’s support.
During the event, TRDP Director of Field Operations Zorair Kirakosian and TRDP Vayots Dzor Team Leader Narine Babayan underscored the significant and positive implications of this business venture for the local economy. Beyond its immediate impact, the establishment has opened up new avenues for local families and producers to thrive, providing a platform to showcase and sell their products and instilling a sense of optimism and confidence in the local economy.
Since its establishment in 2015, TRDP Vayots Dzor has remained dedicated to its mission of nurturing an entrepreneurial spirit within the region and facilitating new business opportunities for individual and community advancement.
The AUA Turpanjian Rural Development Program offers education, funding, and consultations to existing and startup businesses in the rural communities of Shirak, Tavush, Vayots Dzor, Gegharkunik, Lori, and Ararat provinces of Armenia and Javakhk (Georgia). Details regarding eligible communities and eligibility criteria can be found here. The program is currently accepting applications for the next round of training.
