TRDP Launches New Business in Aghavnadzor, Vayots Dzor
2 min readVAYOTS DZOR, Armenia — The American University of Armenia (AUA) is delighted to announce the successful launch of a new business enterprise in the village of Aghavnadzor, located in the Vayots Dzor region. This achievement was made possible through the Turpanjian Rural Development Program (TRDP). In partnership with AUA Extension, TRDP has been instrumental in supporting entrepreneurs, fostering the establishment of new ventures, and creating job opportunities.
Vardan Harutyunyan’s leather goods workshop stands as the only facility of its kind in the Aghavnadzor community. Since its recent opening, the business has already created two new jobs. Harutyunyan offers a diverse selection of handmade leather products for both men and women, including purses, wallets, belts, and custom-made items. The brand, named “Moks,” carries a deep personal significance, symbolizing Harutyunyan’s ancestral roots in the Van region.
The grand opening was a joyous celebration, bringing together Harutyunyan’s family, friends, and fellow villagers, as well as the TRDP community. During his remarks, Harutyunyan expressed his gratitude to TRDP for the critical role it played in realizing his entrepreneurial dream. He emphasized the value of the business administration skills he acquired through AUA Extension’s Entrepreneurship Skills Training course, as well as the mentorship and guidance provided by the TRDP staff. This support not only helped him craft a strong branding strategy, but also enabled the acquisition of high-quality equipment, elevating his leather production to a new level.
The business is already off to a strong start, with Harutyunyan successfully navigating market trends and expanding into online sales. At the opening event, the spirit of cooperation was evident, as several TRDP beneficiaries could not resist purchasing Harutyunyan’s ready-to-wear products, marking the beginning of what promises to be a thriving venture.
The AUA Turpanjian Rural Development Program, in cooperation with AUA Extension, 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, as well as 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.
