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Visionest Institute Holds First-Ever Info Day in Yerevan to Empower Armenian SMEs

The programme will be implemented in a blended format between September and December 2025.

Author: Aigi Young

Info Day was a success.PHS

This inaugural Info Day marked a promising beginning for the programme and set the tone for future collaboration.

Visionest Institute was pleased to host its first-ever Info Day in Yerevan, an event that brought together a dynamic network of local companies, partners, and changemakers from a wide range of organisations. Held at Holiday Inn Express, Pavstos Buzand Street 97/2, on 6 June 2025, the event served as an important milestone in the lead-up to the launch of the Export Training Programme for Armenian SMEs.

The Info Day provided participants with an overview of the programme’s objectives, structure, and benefits. Designed specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises, the Export Training Programme aims to equip Armenian businesses with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to enter international markets and expand their global presence. The programme, delivered by Visionest Institute and funded by the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV), will be implemented in a blended format between September and December 2025.

The event featured a series of welcome speeches from key supporters and institutional partners. Frank Hess, Head of the Cooperation Section at the EU Delegation to Armenia, and Lilit Haroyan, Head of the Investment Promotion and Foreign Relations Department at Enterprise Armenia, both spoke to the importance of the programme and the long-term value it holds for Armenia’s business community. Their words reflected a shared commitment to sustainable economic development and the integration of Armenian SMEs into global value chains.

A special address was also delivered by Margus Gering, Head of the Eastern Neighbourhood Region at ESTDEV, the organisation proudly supporting this programme. His message underscored the importance of strong cross-border partnerships and affirmed ESTDEV’s ongoing commitment to initiatives that promote regional development and entrepreneurial capacity.

The support of Estonia through ESTDEV holds particular significance in Armenia’s broader journey towards economic diversification and deeper integration with European markets. By investing in the growth of Armenian SMEs, Estonia is contributing not only to the development of individual businesses, but also to the creation of a more resilient and globally connected Armenian economy.

The event concluded with an open discussion session during which attending companies had the opportunity to engage directly with the Visionest team. Many used the occasion to raise questions about the programme’s content, application process, and expected outcomes. Visionest Institute’s CEO, Anu-Mall Naarits, was on hand to respond personally and to share insights on how the training will be adapted to meet the specific needs of Armenian businesses.

Visionest Institute looks forward to welcoming committed Armenian SMEs into the training cohort and supporting them on their journey towards export readiness.

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