YEREVAN, Armenia — The American University of Armenia (AUA) Extension is proud to announce the launch of three new bed and breakfast (B&B) businesses in Tavush and four additional B&Bs in Shirak and Vayots Dzor. Construction of these businesses, which have been supported under the AUA Turpanjian Rural Development Program (TRDP), is currently underway. When completed and running, these B&Bs will generate a measurable impact in the local business sector, spurring economic growth and creating new job opportunities for the local population. Moreover, beyond attracting visitors to the region, the B&Bs will serve as the right market for both consuming and selling locally produced organic produce.
The owners of these new B&Bs are graduates of AUA Extension’s entrepreneurship training program offered under TRDP. In addition to the education they received through the initiative, the B&B founders were also awarded financial support that further helped them to successfully establish their small and medium enterprises. Among them are Artur Aghajanyan in Teghut, Hayk Sarukhanyan in Achajur, and Martiros Tairyan in Aghavnavank. The beneficiaries are trained to offer high-quality services and are bound to succeed, helped by their favorable locations: one is very close to the popular touristic site of Makaravank, the well-known seminary, and the other to Haghartsin, a medieval spiritual and cultural center, and Aghavnavank monastery. In addition to their regular B&B services, they plan to organize hiking treks and cultural and gastro tours, as well as family gatherings and corporate events.
At the opening ceremony on August 8, AUA representative Zorair Kirakosian highlighted the importance of fostering strong social and professional ties among the TRDP beneficiaries and stakeholders in order to produce measurable social and economic outcomes for the rural communities.
AUA remains committed to supporting such initiatives and creating a strong sense of community that fosters the advancement of rural Armenia.
The AUA Turpanjian Rural Development Program offers training, funding, and mentorship to new and existing businesses in rural communities across Shirak, Tavush and Vayots Dzor provinces of Armenia. To learn more about eligibility and application details, visit the program’s website. Applications are now open for the next round of training.
