After working for more than 15 years in an Armenian bakery, Tamara dreamed of starting her own business. She saw self-employment as the best way to improve her family’s life and provide her sons a chance at higher education. But she had no idea where to find the money to capitalize such a venture and was leery of taking many risks.

In summer 2014, Tamara became involved in NEF’s Women’s Economic Empowerment and Advocacy project. Balancing her job at the bakery and participation in the project was a challenge that proved rewarding. In the project’s training sessions, she learned how to start and run a business and how to develop confidence in risk-taking. During business planning, she focused on how to organize the production process so that her potential bakery would be viable in the marketplace and profitable.

After conducting market research, Tamara understood what kind of baked goods she was going to produce. She also learned how to make financial calculations. In addition to gaining business skills and knowledge from the project, Tamara received a grant of more than $1,200 to start her business. She quickly registered the business, becoming a sole entrepreneur producing semi-prepared food. She hired one of her relatives to work for her, thus becoming an employer. Her success in her own business paid off when her employer offered Tamara a higher-level job: Now she is the head of production unit in the bakery.

Tamara says she is really happy now because of WEEA’s impact. Her family’s lifestyle has improved. She is successfully operating her business, which sells 16 to 20 kilograms per week and generates $500 to $600 of income a month. She plans to expand production.

NEF gratefully acknowledges the support of OSF Armenia and Bogosian Quigley Foundation