Under the government-approved pilot, 200 trainees who earn the required points will receive certificates to apply for up to AMD 2 million each, subject to bank assessment and approval. Applications opened on 9 November and close on 15 December.
Armenia’s Economy Ministry has opened applications for a business-support pilot for citizens aged 63–72, Armenpress reported. The government had approved the program, with a total budget of AMD 400 million, How2B reported on 5 November.
Armenpress said applications opened on 9 November 2026 and close on 15 December 2026. It said the ministry would select 400 applicants for free entrepreneurship training after applications close. Priority will go to residents of border, high-mountainous, mountainous and rural settlements.
Davit Barseghyan, head of the ministry’s Entrepreneurship Department, said people with an idea for a new business and owners seeking to expand an existing one can apply. Participants will also receive help developing business plans.
After training, 200 participants who earn the required points will receive certificates to apply for support through participating local banks. Applicants must register as individual entrepreneurs before applying to a bank. The bank assesses the business plan and determines the financing amount, up to AMD 2 million; funding begins once it approves the project.
Deputy Economy Minister Aram Khachatryan said the support is not a loan and does not have to be repaid if the program’s conditions are met. Barseghyan said money will not go directly to beneficiaries: payments for items such as equipment, property or services will go to suppliers. Beneficiaries must operate their businesses for 12 months after receiving support, and use of the funds will be monitored.
After one year of operation, the pilot’s results will be summarized and its effectiveness evaluated to determine the next steps.
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