VAYOTS DZOR, Armenia — Fifteen beneficiaries of the American University of Armenia’s (AUA) Turpanjian Rural Development Program (TRDP) took part in the 16th Areni Wine Festival on October 5. These businesses were all established following the creation of the Turpanjian Rural Development Program’s (TRDP) Vayots Dzor Office in 2015. Ranging from B&Bs to restaurants, these TRDP beneficiaries represent the unique hospitality tradition of the region in their celebration of the national cuisine and locally produced food products, such as honey, cured meats, and traditional Armenian cheeses, all of which drew significant attention from Festival visitors and vendors.
One of the participants, Artur Simonyan, founder of a TRDP-supported woodworking enterprise, emphasized the crucial support he received to realize his business. Additionally, several beneficiaries in the hospitality sector also reaped rewards from the event. Local B&B owners Anahit Ghazaryan and Siranush Manukyan reported that their guesthouses experienced a positive upsurge during the Festival days, reflecting the event’s positive impact on their businesses.
The success of TRDP beneficiaries at the Areni Wine Festival underscores the Program’s impact on local businesses and its commitment to supporting local communities in creating valuable opportunities for new business owners, both in terms of networking as well as growth opportunities. Since its inception in 2015, TRDP Vayots Dzor has cultivated this entrepreneurial spirit among business owners and, accordingly, fostered economic growth in the region, duly helping both individuals and communities thrive.
Thus, AUA Extension’s TRDP continues to play a vital role in supporting local entrepreneurs by providing mentorship, fostering new ventures, and creating job opportunities in the regions.
The AUA Turpanjian Rural Development Program provides 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 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.