Support Eco-Tourism & Small Businesses in Armenia
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Fund Vardenis' wheat-themed festival that will activate up to 10 local small businesses!
ONEArmenia is partnering with the Homeland Development Initiative Foundation (HDIF) to crowdfund a portion of the operational costs of a wheat-themed festival in the rural town of Vardenis, Armenia. Up to 10 local farmers and artisans will be selling traditional foods and handmade crafts—even beer—that are all either made of locally-grown wheat or inspired by it. The festival will take place in September 2014 and is expected to attract about 3,000 guests from all over the countrywho will spend the day eating great food (lavash, harissa, gata) and buying unique handmade products sold by local small business owners. Local traditional musicians and dancers will perform throughout the day, and transportation at the festival site will be provided by local drivers. The idea is to activate as many skilled people in the area as possible and to present Vardenis as a desirable place for tourists to visit and explore.
About HDIF's Festival/Eco-Tourism Model
The festival is the culmination of a larger program led by HDIF that works closely with local small business owners throughout the regions of Armenia to develop their brands, know the value of their land and product and to network with others. HDIF has hosted several successful festivals in Armenia’s regions in recent years, with thousands of guests driving in from other parts of the country to participate in the festival’s programming and to buy the local products made by the men and women of the given area. This eco-tourism model empowers locals who are traditionally trained in the agricultural, handicrafts and food sectors to see themselves as businesspeople and create a steady source of income for their families.
Job Creation
In addition to the small business owners' profits from sales throughout the day, local traditional musicians and dancers will be hired to perform, and transportation at the festival site will be provided by local drivers.
Because the festival is the culmination of weeks-long small business training with the HDIF staff, the entire experience opens the door for significant growth: new business partnerships, hiring employees and selling products in new places are attainable goals.
Sustainability
In addition to the immediate income from sales during the festival itself, business owners will have the opportunity to capitalize on the renewed focus on their town and products by selling their products via HDIF's partnership with e-commerce siteshoplavenk.com. A number of rural Armenian handicraft brands developed in partnership with the HDIF team are already for sale on the site.
Project Timeline
Planning for the festival is already underway, and the festival itself will take place in September.
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Team
Nora KayserianOperations
Lilit MarkosianPR/Social Media
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for Support Eco-Tourism & Small Businesses in Armenia and the team!
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