The Wings of Tatev cableway between Halidzor and Tatev monastery, one of several attractions drawing tourists to the Tatev region

YEREVAN (ARKA)—The Initiatives for Development of Armenia (IDeA) Charitable Foundation and the Small and Medium Entrepreneurship Development National Center Fund (SME DNC) signed an agreement on Thursday to provide support to entrepreneurship in Tatev, Dilijan and their adjoining communities, the press office of the SME DNC reported on Thursday.

The two organizations said they were ready to collaborate on the “Support to Young Entrepreneurs” program in particular. The program’s aim is to provide comprehensive support to small businesses in Tatev and Dilijan.

IDeA General Director Armen Gevorgyan and Executive Director of the SME DNC Gegham Petrosyan signed the memorandum.

Gevorgyan said that the Tatev Revival Project and the construction of the Wings of Tatev cableway have boosted tourism in the region considerably.

Gevorgyan also said that they were happy to cooperate with the SME DNC to help develop inns and hotels to continue supporting tourism in the regions. “Both loan funds and professional support and advice are important for local entrepreneurs to properly conduct their businesses,” he said. “Joint efforts will help create new jobs and raise living standard in these communities,” he added.

According to the head of the SME DNC, Gegham Petrosyan, Tatev and Dilijan are popular touristic routes and need new infrastructure, guest houses, and other amenities to support the influx of tourists.

“As part of state programs, together with international partners, the Center provides support to entrepreneurs for starting new guest houses or developing existing ones,” Petrosyan said.

IDeA was established by entrepreneurs and philanthropists Ruben Vardanyan and Veronika Zonabend. It focuses on programs which achieve tangible socio-economic development in Armenia. IDeA is committed to promoting social entrepreneurship in Armenia through investments in long-term, non-profit projects, as well as ensuring their sustainability. It implements large-scale charitable initiatives which strive to preserve the historical and cultural heritage of the Armenian people and revitalize the nation in Armenia, Artsakh, and the Diaspora. Among the flagship projects of the foundation are UWC Dilijan College, the Tatev Revival Project, reconstruction of the St. George Cathedral in Tbilisi, the Dilijan Development Project, and many others.

The SME Development National Center was established in Armenia in 2002 in accordance with the government’s decision to establish links between government bodies and the SME DNC, enhance efficiency and competitiveness of small and midscale businesses, and assist them in securing funds and implementing innovative programs.