The European Union and Initiatives for Development of Armenia (IDeA) Foundation joined efforts to create 31 permanent jobs in Tavush marz of Armenia.

IDeA announced a small grants competition for individuals and companies working in tourism, hospitality, art and crafts sectors back in July 2018, within “Dilijan and Adjacent Communities Development Initiative” project that is co-funded by European Union and Armenian Ministry of Territorial Administration and Development.

According to “Dilijan and Adjacent Communities Development Initiative” project manager Tatevik Sargsyan, 8 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Dilijan, Hovk, Aghavnavank, Khachardzan, Gosh, Haghartsin and Teghut communities received the subgrants. The subgrantees undertook the commitment to create jobs for the residents of the communities.

“Preference was given to those SMEs that offer higher salary and more beneficial conditions for the same position and ensure employment of the promising participants of the trainings organized within the same project”, said Tatevik Sargsyan.

She added that one of the goals of the project is to promote economic growth in Tavush marz and especially Dilijan community, thus slowing down migration rates in the region.

An economist by profession, Aleksan Nersisyan lives in Aghavnavank village of Tavush marz. He learned about the Dilijan program and enrolled for the management, marketing and English courses for hospitality business.

Later Aleksan applied for subgrant and received it, and thanks to it he repaired the roof of the traditional hospitality centre established by him in Aghavnavank, renovated the interior of the building and bathroom and purchased necessary furniture and equipment for the centre.

“I’ve long had the idea of establishing a traditional hospitality centre in Aghavnavank but didn’t have enough funds for it. Our family had a small building in the village and to cover the renovation costs I used to fly to Moscow for work. But last year I stayed in the village and registered for the trainings and later applied for the subgrant. Not only did I get new knowledge about hospitality management but also opened a centre where guests can learn about traditional hospitality of Aghavnavank”, says Aleksan.

After the opening of the centre, Aleksan employed 2 locals at Aghavnatun center. If his business proves successful and expands, the young entrepreneur hopes to increase the number of employees.

Dilijan resident Artak Bojikyan has expanded his semi-precious gemstones factory in Dilijan owing to the grant. He has also employed local specialists and obtained new equipment and furniture needed for the factory.
“We had 8 workers before but owing to the subgrant, we now have 12”, he notes.

The entrepreneur is sure that Dilijan tourist inflow increase is also promising for their products, as the souvenirs made of natural gemstones are always of interest to the city’s foreign guests.