AUA TRDP Supports Opening of Two Businesses in Tavush

The American University of Armenia (AUA) is delighted to share that two new businesses opened in the rural communities of Tavush with the support of AUA’s Turpanjian Rural Development Program (TRDP). Two business-opening events took place on April 1 and 2, 2021.

Hakhverdyan’s Retail Store in Haghartsin

Seiran Hakhverdyan, an entrepreneur from the Haghartsin community of Tavush, learned about the opportunities offered by the TRDP Ijevan office and decided to participate in the program taking the TRDP business training course. Hakhverdyan received financial assistance and turned his idea of opening a retail store into a reality. The business comprises a two-story mini-market and, according to his business plan, it will be open 24/7. In the near future, Hakhverdyan will allocate space for fresh bakery and grocery departments on the first floor of the store and also open a nearby bistro where local villagers, visitors from neighboring communities, tourists, as well as others can taste delicious meals. 

Hakhverdyan’s retail store is in the center of Haghartsin village, right by the local school. Situated on the Bagratashen-Yerevan main highway, it has ample parking to accommodate a large number of vehicles. The business, which has created two additional jobs, is unique in the area providing high-quality goods and services.

Sargsyan’s Car Service in Baghanis

Another business is Vardan Sargsyan’s car maintenance business in the Baghanis community of Tavush. Sargsyan is a mechanic and entrepreneur with 12 years of experience, who had applied to the TRDP program to expand his business to a more organized and efficient enterprise. Sargsyan participated in the business training conducted by the TRDP program, learned how to apply new innovative approaches to his operation, how to make his business more competitive, and ensure its visibility through the use of marketing tools. As a result, he gained the knowledge and skills to enhance his business through technological innovation, which has become the only business in the area where drivers from six nearby villages can receive high-quality services. The business also has strategic importance for the community: Baghanis is a border village with Azerbaijan, and Sargsyan’s car service business is located at the crossroads of Baghanis-Voskan villages, near the Armenia-Georgia highway. The car maintenance workshop provides much-needed services to locals, tourists, and users of the highway. Additionally, the business has created two new jobs and is integral to the development of the local community.