TRDP Supports Opening of Family Business in Shatin, Vayots Dzor

SHATIN, Armenia ‒ In July, 2018, the opening ceremony of a newly-built retail store took place in the village of Shatin, Vayots Dzor region of Armenia. The shop belongs to entrepreneur Igor Sargsyan, who managed to open his family business in his own community with the support and guidance of the Turpanjian Rural Development Program (TRDP) of the American University of Armenia (AUA).

The opening ceremony was attended by many guests, including people from Shatin and surrounding communities, as well as the chair of AUA TRDP, Dr. Haroutune Armenian, and other staff.

Sargsyan applied to the program in 2017, participated in business trainings organized by the program, received the funding, and finally launched his business in May 2018.

The retail store is a fully-fledged and well-prepared premise which is also equipped with a refrigerator and an air-conditioner to keep the shop attractive and convenient for its customers. Beautiful and well-designed shelves for goods adorn the walls of the shop interior.

During the opening ceremony, Sargsyan greatly emphasized the role, contributions and guidance of TRDP and its team from the very start of the project to its completion.

 

The AUA Turpanjian Rural Development Program provides education, funding and consultations to the existing and startup businesses in rural areas of Shirak, Tavush, Vayots Dzor regions of Armenia, in Artsakh, and Javakhk (Georgia). The program continues accepting applications.