Turning a Long-Held Dream into a Growing Eco Business

For Gurgen and his friend Samvel, the idea of starting a business took shape years ago while they were serving in Stepanakert. As they talked through different possibilities, one priority stood out: their work had to benefit the environment.

After careful thought, they chose paper recycling as the foundation for their future business. However, soon after they began planning, unexpected challenges intervened. First came the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by the war, which forced them to leave Artsakh. Although their circumstances changed, their commitment to the idea remained strong.

Despite the disruptions, Gurgen continued working on a small scale, determined not to abandon the project altogether. Last year, his efforts received an important boost through FAR’s Small Business Assistance (SBA) Program, which provided a cutting and folding machine. This equipment helped streamline production and significantly improved efficiency.

“With this support, our work became much easier,” Gurgen shares. “It allowed us to increase production and think more confidently about reaching new customers.”

Today, "Eco Paper" operates from Hobardzi village in Stepanavan, Lori, and in Gyumri, Shirak region, producing eco-friendly packaging boxes. The business now serves customers across Lori, Shirak, and Yerevan, contributing both to environmental sustainability and local economic development.

The Small Business Assistance (SBA) program, financed and initiated by the Atesian Family Foundation, is a dynamic initiative dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs and small business owners. SBA equips individuals with the necessary tools to launch and expand their entrepreneurship and self-employment opportunities, particularly among conflict-affected, displaced, and rural populations in Armenia.