Long-Term Business Advisers Program

Prime Implementing Organization:
Institute for International Education

In September of 2005, VEGA member organization, The Institute for International Education (IIE), through its Emerging Market Development Advisers Program (EMDAP), implemented the Long-Term Business Advisers Program in Armenia to develop and enhance the competitiveness of Armenia’s private sector with the ultimate goal of promoting growth of the nation's economy.

Leveraging the business management knowledge and technical expertise of recent graduate students, VEGA identified highly qualified volunteer experts to provide long-term technical assistance in support of Armenia's USAID Mission program needs.

Business advisers worked with the USAID/Armenia’s Economic Restructuring and Energy Office, the Armenia Microenterprise Development Initiative (MEDI), the Armenia Agribusiness SME Market Development project, the MDF-Kamurj project and the Competitive Armenian Private Sector (CAPS) program.

LTBA Armenia Program Achievements

• American Chamber of Commerce
  • Development of AmCham charity project that raised over $5,000.
  • Development of PR/Marketing action plan, Personnel action plan, Membership revenue calculator Membership. surveys measuring AmCham performance and business environment concerns, Overall organizational assessment, AmCham overall mission, vision, goals statement and advocacy letters to US and Armenian governments.
• Shirak Competitiveness Center
  • Assisted SCC in securing an important grant allowing continued work in developing farmer associations and, significantly, cover some of its operating expenses, giving the SCC added stability.
  • Developed sustainable business model to increase revenue generation.
  • Wrote grants to increase funding.
  • Developed sales and pricing training and consistently reviewed marketing issues.
• USAID Armenia Tax Improvement Project (ATIP)
  • Collaborated with State Tax Service (STS) Deputy head, A. Osikyan and ATIP expert to develop and implement ATIP’s anti-corruption training as well as conducting post- training evaluation and analysis.
  • Provided technical expertise in organizational analysis and design, including development of STS’ first Outreach Division.
  • Worked with the Deputy Heads of STS and external stakeholders to develop the administration’s first ever Triennial Strategic Plan.

Adviser Assignments

2005-2006
Mr. Fernando Maldonado, Business Development Advisor at Micro Enterprise Development Initiative (MEDI)
Ms. Melissa Sia, Micro Finance Development Advisor at MEDI
Mr. Saurin Nanavati, Marketing Advisor at MDF-Kamurj
Mr. Michael Grifka, Competitive Armenian Private Sector Project (CAPS)

2006-2007
Marshall Chase, Senior Adviser for Advocacy, American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham)
Sarah Gray, Public Outreach Adviser, USAID Armenia Tax Improvement Project (ATIP), Booz Allen Hamilton (BAH)
Jeff Standley, Business Consultant, Shirak Competitiveness Center
Anthony Woodham, Financial Analyst, USAID Armenia Tax Improvement Project (ATIP), Booz Allen Hamilton (BAH)

2008
James Lykos, Senior Adviser, American Chamber of Commerce/Yerevan, Armenia

Adviser Testimonials

“A lot of the work I did in Armenia was with small and micro business development through various development models and projects with MEDI. My involvement with Making Cents International came about after working closely with their Director of International Programs while working with the MEDI project in Armenia. Part of MEDI's objectives was to support the capabilities of Business Service Providers (BSPs) in Armenia. MEDI subcontracted with Making Cents International to train a network of trainers in entrepreneurship. I developed a MicroPlan trainer catalogue and was involved with organizing marketing efforts to promote the MicroPlan trainers in Armenia.”

-Fernando Maldonado
Business Development Advisor at Micro Enterprise Development Initiative (MEDI.)

“The most rewarding part was working with the new AmCham Board and Executive Director to tangibly improve the organization and develop new skills. The Executive Director can now develop a quarterly newsletter, conduct surveys, etc; the board can develop and implement organization strategy; the webmaster can update the new website.”

-Marshall ChaseSenior Adviser for Advocacy, American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham)

Further Information:
Armenia Longterm Business Advisers Press Release- pdf»
Longterm Business Advisers Program Brochure- pdf»

Related Links:
USAID Country Page
Armenian American Chamber of Commerce
ATIP
Shirak Competitive Center