"Development of entrepreneurship and self-employment in villages" project 2021

The project "Development of entrepreneurship and self-employment in villages" is implemented with the support of the Azerbaijan Public Employment Agency under the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population, the Small and Medium Business Development Agency and the State Tourism Agency.

Within the framework of the project, trainings are organized for the selected persons on topics such as writing a business plan, legal basis of business, rural tourism and branding, the role of social media in rural tourism, management of guest houses and customer satisfaction in order to acquire relevant knowledge in the fields of tourism and services. In addition to the trainings, repair and restoration works are being carried out in the area that will be used as a tourist facility. At the next stage, business facilities are equipped with appropriate equipment for agrotourism.

The project was implemented for the first time as a pilot project in the villages of Buynuz, Khanagah, Topchu, Tazakend, Sumaganli and Lahic settlement of Ismayilli district with the support of the Small and Medium Business Development Agency, the Azerbaijan Public Employment Agency and the organization of "Odlar Yurdu" Youth Public Union. Within the framework of the project, 14 village guest houses were established in Ismayilli, and about 300 villagers were informed about entrepreneurship and self-employment opportunities. With this, the employment of about 40 women and young people from 14 families was ensured.

For the second time, the project was implemented in Guba, Gusar, Khachmaz, Sheki, Zagatala, Gakh, Lankaran, Astara and Lerik districts, and 50 residents of the district were provided with relevant assets by the Azerbaijan Public Employment Agency.

In general, rural guest houses providing accommodation services to local and foreign tourists contribute to the increase of residents' income and employment, and the development of entrepreneurship in the region.

The project is implemented according to the Memorandum of cooperation between the parties.