SHIRAK, Armenia — The American University of Armenia (AUA) Turpanjian Rural Development Program (TRDP) proudly announces the successful launch of AM Sweets, a new bakery in the town of Artik, Shirak. This accomplishment marks a significant milestone for Armine Avetisyan, made possible through the technical and financial support provided by AUA’s TRDP. As part of AUA Extension, TRDP continues to play a pivotal role in empowering entrepreneurs, fostering the creation of new businesses, and generating job opportunities in the rural communities of Armenia.
Armenuhi Avetisyan, a repatriate, had a longstanding vision to establish her own bakery. Driven by a strong sense of belonging and purpose shared by her family, she was committed to contribute to her homeland’s development. With support from TRDP, Avetisyan gained new knowledge which strengthened her confidence and ability to access resources that enabled her to transform her entrepreneurial vision into reality. Thus, Armenuhi created the infrastructure and obtained new equipment and tools for her bakery, while ensuring that the sanitary-hygienic conditions meet all acceptable standards.
AM Sweets produces and sells a variety of pastries, different types of bread and made-to-order cakes. Equipped with state-of-the-art baking technology, the bakery offers high-quality products with a distinctive flair unique to its founder. Customers can enjoy a wide range of baked goods, including freshly made pastries, cakes, and breads, filling the demand for her products in Artik with artisanal skills, complemented by door-to-door delivery services. Looking to the future, Avetisyan plans to further enhance her skills through masterclass training, which she also plans to share with aspiring young bakers.
The AUA Turpanjian Rural Development Program, in collaboration with AUA Extension, provides education, funding, and consultations to both established and startup businesses in the rural communities of Shirak, Tavush, Vayots Dzor, Gegharkunik, Lori, and Ararat provinces of Armenia, as well as in Samtskhe-Javakheti Region, Georgia.
