More than 80 participants, including more than 50 women entrepreneurs, gathered in Yerevan on March 18 for GEFF’s “Green Finance in Armenia” event, which explored how green finance can be put into practice for women-led businesses.
Mariam Kachachyan, co-founder of Eco Step Company, participated in the event as a guest and presented the solutions already available on the Armenian market, from heating systems to solar power plants and energy-efficient equipment, answered questions from people interested in the field, and presented profitable solutions for the latter.
The event was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from the Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Central Bank of Armenia, and about 15 financial institutions, as well as representatives from business networks and green technology providers.
The discussion focused on decisions rather than concepts. What technologies are available, how financing works, and what is required to move from interest to investment.
The gap remains a challenge. As international gender expert Victoria Stefaniuk has highlighted, many female entrepreneurs still face barriers in accessing information and navigating financial products.
“Access to finance is only part of the picture. For many women entrepreneurs, understanding the options available and having the confidence to make investment decisions are equally important. Bridging this gap requires not only financial products, but also clear information and practical support,” she noted.
At the same time, examples presented during the event showed that changes are already happening. GEFF Deputy Director Andro Butkhuzin presented investment opportunities in Armenia and introduced the “Green Technology Selector”, while presenting cases of businesses that are already adopting more sustainable solutions.
The panel discussion brought together representatives from the EBRD, financial institutions, business associations and women entrepreneurs to exchange views on how to strengthen collaboration and improve access to green finance for women-led businesses.
Discussions continued beyond the formal sessions, where entrepreneurs, financial institutions, and technology providers explored specific projects and next steps.
Interest in green finance among female entrepreneurs in Armenia is increasingly translating into actual investment decisions.
And on the path to greener energy, Eco Step is ready to support you.
You can register for a free consultation at https://ecostep.am/contact/