The Labs for Change project aimed to enhance the creative entrepreneurship ecosystem and empower women in the Shirak, Kotayk, and Tavush regions of Armenia. The primary goal was to provide women with greater employment opportunities and better access to markets, encouraging their active participation in the local economy. The project sought to build a supportive environment where women could develop their creative skills, start new ventures, and contribute to regional development through innovation.

In the initial phase of the project, a feasibility study was conducted to determine the best approach for establishing an Impact Hub in Gyumri, as well as creative labs in each targeted region. This study focused on identifying the unique needs and potential of each area, outlining specific directions for the Impact Hub and labs. The study explored factors such as local demand, available resources, and market conditions. Based on the findings, tailored structures, business models, and service offerings for each creative lab were developed, ensuring that the new spaces could effectively support creative entrepreneurs in their respective regions.

From April to June 2023, the proposed structures and business models were thoroughly reviewed and validated to ensure their suitability for the unified Brand, while still allowing each lab to maintain its individuality. This process involved consultations with stakeholders and potential beneficiaries, ensuring that the creative labs would address the actual needs of local women entrepreneurs. The project’s geographic focus on Shirak, Kotayk, and Tavush regions ensured that women in these areas would gain access to new opportunities, fostering a more inclusive and vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.