Initiatives for Development of Armenia (IDeA) Foundation and Small and Medium Entrepreneurship Development National Center Fund (SME DNC of Armenia) have signed a memorandum of understanding and cooperation today aimed at supporting the promotion of entrepreneurship in Tatev, Dilijan and adjacent communities.

According to the press release disseminated by IDeA, by the memorandum the parties express their readiness to cooperate in the frames of “Support for First-Time Entrepreneurs” program, which envisages comprehensive assistance for the development of the abovementioned regions.

“IDeA Foundation implements development projects in both Tatev and Dilijan and within the framework of those projects the Foundation also focuses on the development-related issues of small and medium-sized enterprises. ‘Tatev Revival’ project and the construction of Tatev aerial tramway within the project considerably enlivened the tourist flow to the region. We are now trying to support the construction of B&Bs in the communities and are happy to cooperate with SME DNC of Armenia to this end,” said Head of IDeA Foundation Armen Gevorgyan.

According to him, obtaining loans is not the only important issue for local entrepreneurs as they also need professional consulting to properly organize their future activities.

“I am sure our joint work will yield significant results and will create new jobs and improve the living conditions of local people,” said Armen Gevorgyan.

Executive Director at SME DNC of Armenia also highlighted the signing of the document.

“As one of top tourist destinations in Armenia, Tatev and Dilijan are in need of new infrastructures, new guesthouses and other tourist service enterprises. It’s what the studies we conducted in Tavush and Syunik showed,” said Gegham Petrosyan.

He noted that within the framework of state assistance and along with international partners the SME DNC is already rendering support to the emerging entrepreneurs of the mentioned regions, especially to those who wanted to build a guesthouse or improve the one they already have.

“With a particular emphasis on IDeA’s undeniable input in the development of Tatev and Dilijan, we also find it important to join efforts committed to this end in order to double the anticipated outcome,” he added.