General Info

SME Development National Center of Armenia - mandate

“Small and Medium Entrepreneurship Development National Center” Fund (SME Development National Center of Armenia) was established by Government of Armenia in 2002. SME Development National Center is authorized to provide state support to small and medium entrepreneurship (SME) in the country. The support is provided through implementation of annual SME State Support Programs with resources allocated from State budget.

SME Development National Center of Armenia is governed by Board of Trustees headed by the Minister of Economy.

SME Development National Center of Armenia carries out its activities through the well developed network of regional branches and representative offices covering all marzes of Armenia coordinated by the central office in Yerevan.

Since 2002 thousands of SMEs benefited from various support programs designed for start-up and operating companies.

SME Development National Center of Armenia’s activities are targeted at:

•    Ensuring a dialogue between SMEs and state
•    Increasing efficiency and competitiveness of SMEs
•    Ensuring availability of business development services for SMEs
•    Expanding the financial opportunities for SMEs
•    Promoting innovations and R&D activities of SMEs
•    Assistance for establishment of new SMEs
•    Supporting internationalization of SMEs’ activities

Technical and Financial Assistance Programs

Technical assistance	Financial assistance
• Provision of information and consulting on all the aspects of doing business in Armenia • Elaboration and development of human resources • Sales promotion • Support in products exporting • Supporting Start-ups • Supporting in realization of new technology/innovation • Local products promotion and branding	• Provision of Loan guarantees • Equity financing • Seed capital • Partial subsidizing of credit interest rates

SME Development National Center of Armenia provides its services mainly through specialized private companies selected by tender procedures. Services provided to SMEs are co-financed by SME Development National Center.

Enterprise Europe Network hosted by SME Development National Center of Armenia

Starting from 2008 SME Development National Center is hosting Enterprise Europe Network Correspondence Center in Armenia.

The Network offers support and advice to businesses across Europe. The Enterprise Europe Network is made up of close to 600 partner organisations in more than 40 countries, promoting competitiveness and innovation at the local level in Europe and beyond.

Based on “no wrong door” concept Enterprise Europe network serves as a “one-stop shop” for SMEs providing free of charge information and practical advice on market opportunities, European legislation and policies relevant to a company or sector. Enterprise Europe Network helps SMEs to find suitable business partners using its business and technology cooperation database, provides information on tender opportunities and international networking.

International Cooperation

SME Development National Center of Armenia actively cooperates with number of international and foreign organizations developing and implementing joint support programs. Joint programs are implemented with UNDP, UK DFID, JICA, and OSCE.

Financial Resources

More than 1.6 billion AMD has been allocated from state budget for the implementation of 2002-2008 state support programs and about 20 thousands start up and operating SMEs have received support. Budget allocations are increasing year by year. (in 2002 they have made 20 mln, in 2003 - 250 mln, in 2004 - 234 mln, in 2005 - 300 mln, in 2006 – 350mln, in 2007- 400 mln AMD, in 2008- 450 mln AMD, in 2009- 573.5 mln AMD and in 2010- 150 mln AMD).

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YOU ARE START-UP

To see provided support programs for start-ups, please visit here

YOU ARE ACTING SME

To see what support programs we provide to acting SMEs visit here.

SME YELLOW PAGES

Here you can find information on Armenian acting SMEs.

News

13.06.2013

The Founder of Training Theatre Talks About Dveelopment Issues

13:58, 13 June, 2013
ENGLISH VERSION BY ARMENPRESS.The small-to-medium business is of a certain importance for the steadfast economic growth of a country, as it gives innovational impulses to the economy. "Armenpress" News Agency highly appreciates the significant role the small-to-medium business plays; each week "Armenpress" introduces business stories regarding various branches of economy. This time the project is dedicated to the story of Arevik Sargsyan, who was awarded with the price "Best Women Entrepreneur" of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia in the nomination of "Best Woman Innovator and Initiator". She urges the beginners and future businessmen to acquire necessary knowledge before launching business.

11.06.2013

New INtellectual Property Rights Handout Will be Published for Armenian SMEs

08.06.2013

One of the Oldest Fashion Houses of Armenia Keeps Developing

ENGLISH VERSION BY ARMENPRESS.The small-to-medium business is of a certain importance for the steadfast economic growth of a country, as it gives innovational impulses to the economy. "Armenpress" News Agency highly appreciates the significant role the small-to-medium business plays; each week "Armenpress" introduces business stories regarding various branches of economy. This time the project is dedicated to the story of designer Karine Dnoyan, who was awarded with the price "Best Women Entrepreneur" of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia. She urges the beginners not to be afraid of their ideas and try to realize them.