Head of Department of Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia, Former Autonomous District of South Ossetia of the Office of the State Minister Zviad Zviadadze attended the "Partnership Fund" and "USAID/Georgia’s Zrda Activities" joint project presentation in the village of Rukhi. The project is focused on financing new businesses and hiring locals of above mentioned villages.

The project will be implemented by Startup Georgia, a subsidiary company of the Partnership Fund. The US Agency for International Development (USAID) will provide a $500,000 grant to the project “New enterprises in the villages along the dividing Line”, from which the winners of the “Start-up Georgia” will be funded. Thus, start-up entrepreneurs are given the opportunity to start an innovative business in these villages.

USAID Zrda will double the funding to the winners of the project “Start-up Georgia”, which run their business in the vicinity of the occupation lineal divide, from the grant of the “Partnership Fund”.

USAID Mission Director Peter Weibler, “USAID Zrda” Director Keti Chumburidze and the Deputy executive director of the “Partnership Fund” George Danelia addressed to the participants of the event.

Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti State Attorney Alexander Motserelia, Acting Head of the Government of Abkhazia Ruslan Abashidze, Zugdidi and Tsalenjikha Municipalities, USAID, “Partnership Fund”, representatives of the international business organizations, “Start-up Georgia” and local businessmen participated in the event. Startups are eligible to apply for a joint venture of the “Partnership Fund” and “USAID/Georgia Zrda activities” on the “Start-up Georgia” website at www.startup.gov.ge.