VAYOTS DZOR, Armenia – The American University of Armenia (AUA) proudly announces the successful launch of two new business ventures in the Vayots Dzor region. Owners Ashot Khachatryan and Anahit Ghazaryan have expressed their gratitude to the AUA Turpanjian Rural Development Program (TRDP) for the technical and financial support that made these initiatives possible. As part of AUA Extension, TRDP continues to play a vital role in fostering entrepreneurship, contributing to the establishment of new businesses and the creation of new jobs.
The opening of Khachatryan’s car wash presents the first enterprise of its kind in the Shatin community. Located on a busy highway, it operates 24/7 and offers a range of services, including car wash, engine cleaning, vulcanization, and carpet cleaning. Upon initiation, Khachatryan’s business has created one new job and made a positive impact in the community. At the grand opening, Khachatryan emphasized the transformative role AUA-TRDP has played in realizing his vision. He specifically highlighted the value of the business skills he acquired through the AUA Extension Entrepreneurship Skills Training course, also acknowledging the ongoing mentorship and guidance he has received from TRDP staff. This support has not only helped him develop a strong branding strategy, but also facilitated the acquisition of high-quality equipment for his business.
Another successful venture is the opening of Ghazaryan’s rest zone and B&B in Chiva. This new business adds a fresh dimension to community development by way of creating new jobs and enhancing the local tourism and hospitality industry. Ghazaryan assures that her guests will enjoy high-quality service and the opportunity to stay in cozy, comfortable wooden houses surrounded by a picturesque peach garden. The grand opening of Ghazaryan’s business was a great occasion for her and her family, friends, and members of the TRDP community. In her remarks, Ghazaryan expressed deep gratitude to AUA-TRDP for playing a key role in making her vision come true. She also emphasized the valuable business skills she has gained through AUA’s training programs, as well as the mentorship and continued support provided by TRDP staff.
The AUA Turpanjian Rural Development Program, in collaboration with AUA Extension, provides education, funding, and consultation to both 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 on eligibility and communities served can be found here. The program is currently accepting applications for its next round of training.
