Following the forced displacement of the Armenian population of Artsakh, many micro and small entrepreneurs had to rebuild their businesses and livelihoods in Armenia after losing assets, established customer networks and supply chains. They also faced challenges in accessing finance, navigating a new business environment and adapting their businesses to new market conditions. To support their economic integration and long-term resilience, the Izmirlian Foundation, in partnership with Artsakh Union NGO, implemented the project “Mapping, Awareness, and Capacity Building of Displaced Micro and Small Entrepreneurs from Artsakh.” The initiative aimed to strengthen the economic stability and competitiveness of businesses established by forcibly displaced residents of Artsakh and operating across Armenia.
62 displaced micro and small enterprises from Artsakh were mapped and included in an online business database, with 60 enterprises undergoing a detailed needs assessment.
29 entrepreneurs participated in business training, with 115 hours of capacity-building delivered, while 79 tailored consultations supported 23 entrepreneurs in business management, marketing and financial planning.
28 new business partnerships were established through networking activities, and participating enterprises reported an average turnover increase of 28.6%.
Five enterprises received direct financial support for business re-equipment and expansion, achieving the project’s full target for this component.
Since 2004, the Izmirlian Foundation has supported the revival of Meghri’s historic Poqr Tagh (Lesser District) through an integrated approach combining cultural heritage preservation, community development and tourism. The initiative began with the restoration of a 19th-century traditional house, which was transformed into a guesthouse, alongside activities supporting local women in reviving traditional southern Armenian embroidery and carpet weaving.
Over the years, the Izmirlian Foundation supported a range of initiatives aimed at strengthening Armenia’s private sector and expanding access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises, entrepreneurs and economically vulnerable communities. The Foundation’s support helped make financing more accessible for businesses seeking to start or expand their operations, invest in production, strengthen competitiveness and create employment opportunities. Particular attention was given to enterprises with growth and export potential, as well as to initiatives contributing to local economic development.
The Izmirlian Foundation, in partnership with The HALO Trust, supported a humanitarian demining initiative in Nagorno-Karabakh aimed at clearing land contaminated by mines and other explosive hazards. By making affected areas safer for civilian use, the project contributed to improving community safety and enabling land to be returned to productive and everyday use. The project formed part of HALO’s ongoing humanitarian mine-clearance activities in Nagorno-Karabakh.
