In 2025, Women’s Found Armenia, together with the Continuing Education and Employment Coordination Office in Hamburg, conducted training sessions aimed at developing women’s business skills and capabilities with participants from Yerevan, Goris, and Hrazdan. In Hrazdan, we collaborated with our partner “ Resource Center for Women’s Empowerment” NGO, and in Goris, with “Sose” Women’s Issues NGO.
At the end of the training sessions, the participants presented their business ideas. 3 projects were selected from each of the above-mentioned three settlements and received grants. In addition, the Fund was able to finance 3 more business ideas from other sources. In total, 12 ideas received financial support.
Below is a summary of the trainings and business projects.
On training sessions
Overall, 27 participants attended the training sessions.
- Yerevan – 8
- Hrazdan – 9
- Goris – 10
Mentoring Between Theory and Practice by Alexeii Medvedev
This training explored mentoring as a practical tool for personal and professional development. Participants examined key mentoring models, roles, and ethics, and practiced core mentoring skills such as active listening, goal-setting, and feedback. The sessions emphasized applying mentoring approaches in real-life organizational and community contexts.
Psychological Resilience by Anika Dickmann and Silke Potthast
This training focused on strengthening psychological resilience in personal and professional life. Participants learned to recognize stress responses, build emotional regulation skills, and develop strategies for coping with uncertainty, pressure, and change. The sessions combined reflective exercises with practical tools to support long-term wellbeing and sustainable engagement.
Digital Technologies in Business by Julia Vorozhtsova
This training introduced participants to the use of digital technologies to support and grow business activities. Topics included digital tools for communication, marketing, operations, and customer engagement. The sessions emphasized practical applications, helping participants understand how to integrate digital solutions to improve efficiency and visibility.
On Mentorship Process
The mentorship process within this project lasted for three months. 11 mentors participated in the process (one mentor was in both Hrazdan and Yerevan). After the set of training meetings mentor-mentee groups were established and the work started between them in different formats. Some of them were working remotely, some were physically present all the time during the process. Some of the mentors were helping also through personal journeys, especially with some younger mentees. Overall the process of their collaborations were based on respect and appreciation and created spaces for growth for both sides.
On Application process
The project was conducted in three cities of Armenia: Yerevan, Hrazdan and Goris. The application process was based on business pitches. Business pitch sessions were organized across three cities, using different formats adapted to local conditions and logistical considerations. The use of multiple pitch formats demonstrated adaptability and inclusivity, ensuring that participants across different regions were able to present their business ideas effectively under varying conditions.
Overall 24 applications were received.
- Yerevan – 7
- Hrazdan – 9
- Goris – 8
The selection process was designed using a participatory approach that actively engaged both mentors and participants. Mentors worked closely with participants throughout the preparation phase, providing guidance on refining business ideas, strengthening pitch content, and building confidence in presentation. Participants were encouraged to reflect on their own needs, capacities, and goals, and to integrate feedback iteratively into their proposals. This approach positioned participants not merely as applicants, but as active contributors to the process, fostering transparency, shared learning, and a sense of ownership over both the pitching process and its outcomes.
In Yerevan, participants submitted video-recorded business pitches, allowing them to present their ideas in a structured format while accommodating flexibility in timing and access. This approach enabled participants to prepare and refine their presentations in advance. In Yerevan, WFA was able to support six out of seven business pitches (three projects through this program and three from other sources). The mentors as well as the team of the WFA participated in the selection as a collaborative process.
In Hrazdan, all business pitches were conducted online, providing a remote presentation option that ensured continuity and participation despite geographical or scheduling constraints. The online format allowed for real-time interaction between participants and evaluators. Three pitches have been selected. The Resource Center for Women’s Empowerment team as well as some members of the WFA participated in the selection process.
In Goris, business pitches were delivered orally in person at the office, creating a direct and interactive environment. This format allowed for immediate feedback, follow-up questions, and closer engagement between participants and the selection committee. Here, again, three projects have been selected. Sose Women’s issues NGO team as well the local mentors in the selection process.
Overall, twelve business projects are now being implemented: three in Hrazdan, three in Goris and six in Yerevan. All three participating organizations work not only in their respective cities but in other areas as well. For instance, Sose Women’s Issues NGO in Goris works all over the Syunik region encompassing other cities and villages in the region. Thus, three different women from Goris, Sisian and Meghri cities have been awarded by keeping the diversity within the region. A similar situation is also in Hrazdan, where the Resource Center for Women’s Empowerment NGO operates. The organization provides services for the whole Kotayk region and also involved women from Nagorno-Karabakh/Artsakh in the project currently residing in Hrazdan and nearby villages. Women’s Fund Armenia provides grants, financial and capacity building support all over Armenia, and its partners in this project had diverse backgrounds too. Mentees and training participants were from different regions (such as Tavush, Shirak, etc.) and were from Nagorno-Karabakh/Artsakh as well. This is evidence of multifaceted situations in different parts of Armenia and also the very comprehensive and diversified response to the latter.
On selected business projects
In Goris, three projects were selected through the business pitch process, representing diverse small-scale, community-based enterprises: a garment production/sewing (Tatev Avaesyan), a coffee shop (Shushan Grigoryan), and a family hair salon (Varduhi Arushanyan). These initiatives reflect a range of sectors and business models, while sharing a common focus on sustainability, local economic participation, and livelihood generation. The selected projects demonstrate practical feasibility and strong potential for income generation, responding to local market needs and showcasing the entrepreneurial capacities of the participants.
In Hrazdan a notable outcome of the project was the initiative taken by three women from our side, who decided to collaborate and create a joint project called “Bareber.” Within this initiative, one woman specializes in dried fruit production, another in natural tea making, and the third in bag sewing. By combining their expertise, they developed an idea for gift boxes containing natural dried fruits and natural teas, designed for gifts and special occasions. This initiative received three individual grants, one for each of the three women involved. Gohar Abrahamyan, Rita Hayrapetyan, Emma Martirosyan from Hrazdan group are successfully working on their joint project.
In Yerevan there were also three projects but the WFA additionally supported another three that are presented below.
Women’s Rights House NGO/Gyumri – Eco production of menstrual hygiene products
This initiative focuses on producing eco-friendly menstrual hygiene products, including reusable panties and related items. The project aims to make sustainable and affordable alternatives more accessible while also addressing taboos around menstrual health. It combines environmental responsibility with women’s health and income generation.
Hub-Artsakh – Website development for women’s businesses
This project supports the development of an online platform that showcases women-led businesses, including those run by women displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh and now living in Armenia. The website helps women promote their products and services, reach new customers, and strengthen their digital presence. It also creates a sense of visibility and connection among women entrepreneurs.
Nara Stepanyan – Handmade knitted toys and ornaments
A young woman is running her own small handmade production of knitted toys and decorative ornaments. The business builds on her creative skills and personal initiative, with the aim of expanding production and reaching wider markets. Support will help her stabilize income and grow her craft-based enterprise.
Nare Hovhannisyan – Handmade bags and accessories by women in penitentiary and probation services
This project brings together a group of women involved in penitentiary and probation services who are working collectively to create handmade bags and accessories. Through this work, they develop practical skills, teamwork, and a sense of purpose. The initiative supports social reintegration while creating opportunities for income generation.
Spitak Helsonki Group NGO – producing oils from local herbs
This NGO runs its own production of natural oils made from local herbs and products. The initiative builds on traditional knowledge and local resources, combining them with small-scale production. The project supports women’s employment while promoting natural, locally sourced products.
Kristin Balayan – Woman-run café needing additional supplies
This project supports a woman who is running her own café and looking to strengthen her business through additional supplies and equipment. With improved resources, she can better meet customer demand and stabilize daily operations. The support contributes directly to sustaining and growing a women-led small business.
