Fellow Participates in Business Plan Competition

Gohar Harutyunyan, a 2005 Muskie Fellow from Armenia studying at the University of Maine, participated in the Business Plan Competition at the University of New Brunswick, Canada from November 29 to December 2, 2006. Ms. Harutyunyan’s group’s idea was to introduce organic Armenian dried apricots, tomatoes, and prunes to Canadian consumers. Their group designed a logo, flyers, and conducted comprehensive market research and financial analysis. Ms. Harutyunyan also talked to possible suppliers in Armenia. Her group’s business plan was ranked among the top four in the competition, and in the “Elevator Pitch” nomination they placed second among the other 19 submissions. Ms. Harutyunyan’s team also met with many businesspeople and export-import agency representatives to further discuss their plan for marketing dried Armenian products in Canada.