It is important to implement various support measures that provide women with financial and educational resources. Since years, the USAID-Georgia “Supporting Women’s and Youth’s Entrepreneurship” (USAID YES Georgia) program has supported women entrepreneurs. The USAID YES Georgia program organized a media tour to inform the public on July 28 – 30.
The tour aimed to introduce journalists working on this topic to the project’s recipients and women involved in entrepreneurship who are successfully continuing to run their business in different regions across the country.
Journalists visited businesswomen from Tbilisi as well as other cities in western Georgia, including Gori, Khashuri and Senaki. They were able to get detailed information from both project representatives and beneficiaries.
On the first media tour day, journalists visited beneficiaries Veriko Bazaali, Sofo Talakhadze, Sofo Bardavelidze.
Veriko Basali is the founder of “Hippo Velo”, a bicycle service centre where cyclists can buy and repair parts and accessories. The center was established in 2021. “Hippo Velo”, a large group of cycling enthusiasts, aims to popularize and develop cycling culture throughout Georgia.
The “SofYoga’ studio is located in Gori, and offers yoga lessons for those who are interested. SofYoga offers remote online services that are tailored to the needs of clients in addition to studio sessions. The studio offers video series to make training as easy as possible.
Sofo Bardavelidze, a female entrepreneur in her early years, owns the laser epilation office Skinova in Terjola. She wants to expand and offer more services in the beauty and self-care field to the people of Terjola. She is honest because she loves her job and offers a high-quality service and safety to customers.
On the second media tour day, journalists visited Khatia Khardzeishvili and Shorena Chijavadze. They also visited Tamar Meskhia Nano Misabishvili and Ekaterine Farraava.
“Mathes Marani”, a tourist facility in Banoja village in Imereti offers local wines, culinary classes, and a tasting service to its customers. The founders of this winery are active participants in various awareness-raising programs and trainings, including the USAID YES – Georgia program, which has actively served the empowerment of women for years. Khatia Khardzeishvili belongs to the Network of Women Entrepreneurs Program.
Shorena Chijvadze found the USAID YES Georgia program to be a very interesting program. She attended entrepreneurship training along with her daughter, and was a recipient of the program. Shorena now has her own sewing studio “Jacquard”.
Intelligent board games club “Summer Set Kutaisi” started 7 years ago for Tatia’s first child, seeing her taking care of their informal education from an early age and searching for and buying educational-cognitive toys. She and her husband then came up with an idea to create a board game group and popularize modern board games for healthy entertainment. They also wanted to use intelligent board games for informal education, social skill development, and creative thinking of adolescents.
Nano Misabishvili, owner of furniture enterprise “Nysa Studios”, began her business as a hobby at the end 2020, during pandemic. She then turned it into an incredibly profitable business. In her spare time, Nano Misabishvili created art and handicrafts. She decided to turn this hobby into a profitable business and “Nisa Studio”, which was launched in 2021, was born. A small wooden furniture business has been established today in Samegrelo in the city Senaki. Work is underway to change the business model.
Ekaterine FARULAVA, a doctor who is originally from Sokhumi, lives in Zugdidi. She worked professionally in the pharmaceutical industry for 25 years before deciding to try something different. She first searched the Internet to find the recipes she used for her work. She then modified the recipes she found in various sources and wrote them down. After her product was well received by both family members and the wider community, she decided to start a business. Ekaterine produces various types of Succades.
On the third day, journalists visited Tatia Jánashia and Ekaterine Kutkubia.
Sewing salon “T.J Atelier”. Tatia Janashia, a young entrepreneur, learned how to cut and sew by herself. She started working in a small space with an old machine.
Tatia later learned about the USAID YES – Georgia “School of Young Entrepreneurs”. After completing the course and reaching finals, Tatia was financed through the program. She used the money to expand her business. She bought the basic equipment and moved into a new location. Tatia is able to continue her work despite a number difficulties.
Ekaterine’s brand “Skyri”, offers a variety of natural dried fruits, made from Georgian fruit, including tylapi and churchkhela. Customers can also choose between dried candies or dried fruit with chocolate.
About the program
The program aims to increase the number young and female entrepreneurs by developing entrepreneurial skills, providing access to finance and knowledge, and sharing experience.
The USAID program “Supporting Youth and Women’s Entrepreneurship” (USAID YES Georgia) supports the economic empowerment and development of Georgian women and youth by encouraging innovation, promoting entrepreneurship and increasing the level of self employment. The project, which is now in its eighth year, is implemented by the Crystal Foundation with financial support from the American people, USAID and the Women’s Global Development and Prosperity initiative (W-GDP). Crystal, a financial inclusion organization, provides additional financial support for the project.
By 2024, the program will provide better access to finance, business services, and knowledge to more than 2,500 female entrepreneurs, enabling them transform their businesses into higher income enterprises.
By Mariam Tsadzikidze
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