Partnership: US Embassy in Armenia
Project Description
The Startup-Mentor Matching Network (SMMN) was funded from a U.S. Embassy Grant. Launched in September 2019, the project established an online platform that aimed to connect Armenian start-ups and aspiring entrepreneurs with experienced mentors from U.S. Government-sponsored exchange program alumni. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the project successfully continued its activities through networking events, startup pitching sessions, mentorship matching and progress review meetings.
Project Objectives
The main objectives of the SMMN project were to:
- create an online portal that connects startups with qualified mentors;
- enable U.S. Government exchange program alumni to share their expertise and professional experience with Armenian entrepreneurs;
- support the development and growth of early-stage startups in Armenia through mentorship;
- foster networking and collaboration between entrepreneurs and experienced professionals;
- promote entrepreneurship and contribute to Armenia’s economic development;
- equip participants with practical knowledge of effective mentoring through the development of an “Early-Stage Startup Mentorship Guide” handbook.
Project Results
The project achieved significant outcomes:
- developing and launching a startup–mentor matching portal where participants could register, create profiles and find suitable mentors.
- creating 30 startup–mentor matches between entrepreneurs and U.S. Government exchange alumni.
- organizing networking events, start-up pitching sessions and progress review meetings that enabled start-ups to present their ideas, receive feedback and establish productive mentoring relationships.
- Publishing the “Early-Stage Startup Mentorship Guide” and providing guidance on the importance of mentorship, best practices, responsibilities and ways to build successful mentor–mentee relationships.
- Strengthening collaboration between AUA, the U.S. Embassy and the entrepreneurial community.
For more, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/SMMN.AUA