From June 29 to July 2, the FSDS project team conducted a series of meetings with participants of the entrepreneurship grant competition in Naryn and Issyk-Kul regions. The aim of these meetings was to assess the submitted business plans for their alignment with the project proposal for youth and vulnerable groups.

20 individuals submitted their business ideas in this area. The stages of the competition included business planning training workshops in collaboration with the JIA Business Association, selection of submitted project proposals, preparation, and evaluation of business plans. Later, the finalists of the competition will be selected by an expert commission consisting of specialists and experts from the business and social sectors.

The competition is part of the FSDS program “Expanding Socio-Economic Opportunities for Vulnerable Groups in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan,” aiming to support social entrepreneurs’ projects with the potential for practical solutions to pressing social issues in the regions of Kyrgyzstan. Business solutions should focus on improving living conditions and expanding social and economic opportunities for rural youth and women.