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How to start or grow a business in Armenia with the EU support: Q&A

02/06/2026

The European Union actively supports Armenian women in bringing their business ideas to life, finding funding, and acquiring new skills—including in the regions. We address the most common questions:

❓ I want to start my own business, but I’m not sure if my idea will work. Who can advise me?
💡 You need business incubation and mentoring. There are several excellent EU-supported platforms operating in Armenia. For instance, Impact Hub Yerevan’s “Women’s Entrepreneurship Fellowship” (supported by EU4Business and EFSE) helps aspiring women develop their business models, and receive free workspace and mentorship. For tech ideas, you can apply to the “Armenian Startup Academy” while for those living in the regions, local business centers operate (for example, in Sevan, Syunik, etc.) within the framework of the “Mayors for Economic Growth” project.

❓ I already have a business, but as a businesswoman, my biggest challenge is finding money to take the next step. Is there any EU support option available for me?
💡 Yes, absolutely. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development’s (EBRD) “Women in Business” project in Armenia cooperates with local banks such as Acba Bank, Ameriabank, Araratbank, and Armeconombank, offering special loans and financing with preferential terms to women-led SMEs. In addition, the EBRD subsidises a portion of the costs for business consulting, branding, or digitalisation.

❓ Are there other women like me who have started their own businesses or acquired a new specialisation with EU support?
💡 Numerous! Let’s recall the “Women Know How” campaign, where Armenian women share their success stories. For example, women who have founded kindergartens, dried fruit and tea production lines, cosmetic skincare brands, or transformer-furniture workshops. Thanks to EU projects, they have all rebranded, passed international certification, or automated their businesses. You can become one of them too.

❓ I’m not sure if I want to start a business, but I want to acquire new skills that will help me find a job. Can the EU offer me anything?
💡 Of course. If you are interested in digital skills, the EU4Digital Academy offers free courses, such as “Fundamentals of Digital Marketing” right in Armenian. In addition, diverse EU-funded initiatives are currently underway to expand women’s economic opportunities in Armenia, helping them enter a sustainable and high-paying job market.

❓ Who can I turn to for help?
💡 Your first steps can be the following:

Do not hesitate: your business idea or career leap could start today, thanks to one of the EU-funded project.

Opportunities