Description
Aygepar is a village of 675 people located in Armenia’s Tavush region. Â The terrain is such that Azerbaijan is surrounding this village on three sides with sniper posts in the hills above. Â 53 of the village’s men work as contract soldiers guarding this important border and protecting their homes. Â Few other jobs exist in this village to support the 210 families that call Aygepar their home. Â The village does not have much land to grow crops and/or care for animals, making agribusinesses difficult to implement. Â During the Soviet Union, the village of Aygepar was built to sustain workers working at the three (now non-functioning) village factories (tobacco processing, champaign and fruit preserves and compote.)
To address the dire economic situation for Aygepar’s residents, The Paros Foundation will establish a business incubator aimed at establishing conditions to allow the start of several small businesses for local families. With proper oversight, training and guidance villages will be able to launch their businesses in sanitary conditions and take advantage of a larger marketplace. The Paros Foundation has been granted ten year usage of one of three abandoned factories for the project’s use free of charge. The Paros Foundation needs to raise a total of $75,000 to make investments in the facility and to support the launch of this important project.
The Paros Foundation will provide space to locals interested in starting their businesses rent free. In addition, Paros staff is dedicated to investigating and helping secure export opportunities for commodities and/or helping secure distribution to the marketplace.
The Need
The villagers in the border community of Aygepar need opportunities to work and to care for their families. The village does not have much land to grow crops and care for animals. Most survive with the small gardens they have at their homes. One of three abandoned factories in the village needs to be renovated to launch a Business Incubator to help provide rent-free space and technological knowledge for villages to start their businesses.
Short Term Impact
A construction crew will be immediately hired to make the necessary renovations to the building that will house the Aygepar Business Incubator. Local materials and labor will be utilized that will immediately benefit the local economy.
Long Term Impact
In the long term, village families will benefit from the businesses they are able to start through their work and ownership. The village as a whole will benefit through this increase in income from its residents. Based on the improved economic conditions, villagers will feel more secure and stable in Aygepar, and thus be less likely to consider abandoning their homes and moving elsewhere.
Sponsors Benefits
Sponsors of this project will be listed on The Paros Foundation website, in any appropriately related print or electronic promotional materials, and on a plaque at the Aygepar Business Incubator.
Updates: Images & Information
Both the rabbit farm and fertilizer projection businesses were launched this month.
A new roof was built and installed over one half of the building to allow us to launch the first businesses including a rabbit farm and fertilizer production.
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After more than a year of researching and planning, our team had made the decision to begin renovation of space and begin the process of job creation by launching the first of the many businesses envisioned at the Aygepar Business Incubator. We decided it would be much more beneficial for the community to have the opportunity to utilize quality, clean and secure space for their business, rather than promote any one specific business. Initial serious consideration was given to open a mushroom farm in the space, but due to the inability to attract technical expertise in the form of a project partner, it was determined that this is a much better path to follow.
Our Donors (102)
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Fr. & Yn. Kevork & Sandra Arakelian
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Mr. & Mrs. Lee & Juanita Armen
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Dr. Kenneth Karamyan & Dr. Emma Abramyan
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Drs. John & Sophie Bilezikian
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Dr. Julie Kulhanjian Strauch
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Mr. & Mrs. Abraham & Mary Aghoian
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Mrs. Arsineh Kizirian
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Ms. Ann Sakmar
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Mr. Ani Yaralian
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Mr. & Mrs. Simon & Arsho Simitian
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Dr. Artak Nalbandian
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Mr. & Mrs. Richard & Kathy Mouradjian
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Paul & Berta Zakian
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Ms. Lori Janjigian
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Ms. Arlene Hajinlian
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Mr. & Mrs. Greg & Karmen Dadourian
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Mr. & Mrs. Jon & Charlene Simonian
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Mr. Lester Hiscoe & Barbara Garjian Hiscoe
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Ms. Kristine Manoukian
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Mr. & Mrs. Steve & Lisa Dadourian
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Stepan and Narin� Atamian
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Mr. Paul Kristapovich
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Mr. & Mrs. Vicken & Rosette Arslanian
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Mr. Aram Parnagian
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Dr. Nicole Vartanian
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Mr. & Mrs. David & Rovika Austerweil/Rajkishun
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Mr. & Mrs. Allen & Rosie Nisanyan
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Mr. Jonathan Pelaez
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Ms. Claire Kedeshian
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Mr. Stepan Atamian
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Mr. Ray Pacia & Mrs. Silvia Babikian Pacia
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Mr. David Melian
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Ms. Suzy Davidkhanian
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Mr. Hirant Gulian
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Dr. Julie Kulhanjian Strauch , In Memory of Robert Missirlian
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Catherine & Lauren Conrow , In Memory of Robert Missirlian
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Anonymous
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Mr. & Mrs. David & Christine Balabanian
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Edward & Pamela Avedisian Charitable Trust
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Ms. Jeanette Boras
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Mr. & Mrs. Vartan & Takouhi Harmandian
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Ms. Ann Hablanian
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Dr. John Aljian & Dr. Sylvie Khorenian
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Ayvazian-Daghlian Family Charitable Trust
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Dr. & Mrs. Allen & Wendy Nalbandian
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Mr. Nerses Kazanjian
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Mr. & Mrs. Patrick & Mary Goshtigian
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Mr. & Mrs. Herman & Shooshig Hintiryan
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Mr. & Mrs. Jack & Eva Medzorian
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Ms. Arlene Aaronian