On 15th of September 2023 the formal inauguration ceremony for the launch of Impact Hub (candidate) Gyumri and the Creative Centre (CRELAB) in the Shirak region took place.
Impact Hub (candidate) Gyumri and CRELAB have been founded under the auspices of the “Labs for Change: Empowering Women for Social Innovation & Creativity in Regions” project, an initiative by the “Impact Hub Armenia” Social Innovation Development Foundation. This collaborative endeavor includes the participation of Impact Hub, the Fashion and Design Chamber of Armenia (FDC), and the Dilijan-based craft platform Made-vel-e. It is financially supported by UK aid from the British People.
The inauguration of Impact Hub Candidate Gyumri represents a significant milestone for Impact Hub Armenia. As an integral part of the internationally acclaimed Impact Hub network, the organization has played a leading role in promoting entrepreneurial development and nurturing a vibrant environment for startups, innovators, and agents of change. The extension to Gyumri underscores the dedication not only to enhancing the regional entrepreneurial environment but also to cultivating connections that transcend geographical constraints.
CRELAB in Shirak is dedicated to a specialized niche, concentrating on digital production and its associated domains. This endeavor is designed to cultivate a creative entrepreneurial ecosystem and advance women’s empowerment within the Shirak region. The primary aim of the center is to provide women and young individuals with valuable professional and entrepreneurial expertise. By engaging in the center’s initiatives, women and young people will gain the chance to create marketable products, unlocking new employment opportunities and broadening market reach for individuals.
At the opening event, John Gallagher, the Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland to Armenia, delivered a welcoming speech, stating:
Supporting women to access economic opportunities is not just a matter of gender equality. It is a catalyst for social progress, economic growth and sustainable development. Promoting and protecting women’s rights remains a priority for the UK government both within the UK and across the world. I’m pleased that the UK’s Good Governance Fund supports the establishment of three Creative Labs in the Tavush, Shirak and Kotayk regions. These facilities will provide support tailored to the needs of the local communities and create an environment where women are encouraged and empowered to realise their full potential․
Gevorg Poghosyan, the Executive Director of “Impact Hub Armenia” Social Innovation Development
Fund, also delivered a welcome speech during which he emphasized:
Gyumri’s startup scene has always piqued our interest, and we’re excited that Impact Hub will soon be operating here. Additionally, Shirak Marz boasts a wealth of creative minds, and through our CRELAB initiative, we aim to revitalize and empower this creative community.
Additionally, welcome speeches were given by Ruben Sargsyan of the Ministry of Labour & Social Affairs, and Vardges Samsonyan, the Mayor of Gyumri. Moreover, concurrent workshops were organized as part of the event, allowing attendees to explore their abilities in the digital realm.
For further details, kindly get in touch with Mary Mooradian at +374 7790018 or via email at [email protected].
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