The Export Training Program for Armenian small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) was officially launched on September 10 with its very first workshop in Yerevan.
Having 60 companies from diverse sectors, the program aims to help Armenian SMEs access foreign markets, increase competitiveness, and establish viable growth strategies.
The opening started with video greetings from Klen Jäärats, Executive Director of ESTDEV, the donor of the Export Training Program. He highlighted ESTDEV’s commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen Armenia’s export capacity and entrepreneurial potential. Following this, Anu-Mall Naarits, CEO of the Visionest Institute, and Frank Hess, Head of the Cooperation section of the EU Delegation to Armenia, delivered opening speeches, welcoming the attendees and emphasizing the importance of the program in advancing Armenian business landscape.
The first workshop was led by Jean Sutton from the United Kingdom, who guided participants through Module 1 of the program.
The sessions addressed key export readiness topics, including: identifying who the customer is, establishing criteria for target country selection, successful working with sources, desk research importance, gathering and analyzing market information, and identifying potential opportunities and threats in target markets.
In addition to the theoretical part, participants could also participate in exercise activities that involved applying these concepts directly to their businesses.
In the next months, the training will continue with a series of workshops and mentoring sessions, each with different export readiness and success themes.
Through the program, participating SMEs are expected not only to gain greater knowledge but also to develop tangible export strategies relevant to their business goals.