From Jobless to Successful Business Owner: IT Center Empowers Georgian Entrepreneur

The Republic of Georgia’s economic downturn, combined with the repercussions of the military conflict with Russia, left Batumi resident Nikoloz Namgalauri struggling to find employment. He harbored an interest in launching his own business in the beauty industry, and the idea might’ve been just a fantasy if it weren’t for the legal and practical logistics he knew he could find with the help of his local Internet Access and Training Program (IATP) center, managed by IREX and funded by USAID.

Namgalauri first learned about IATP services in 2007, from a colleague who had recently opened her own private furniture store in Batumi. His friend said that she was able to open her store thanks to the knowledge and skills she acquired through IATP training. Namgalauri completed training in computer and internet basics, advanced graphic editing, and online networking.

A year later, as his job prospects looked dim, Namgalauri used the center’s free computer and internet services to learn more about how to establish a private entity. While conducting research online, Namgalauri visited websites of well-known Russian beauty salons, studying the types of services offered and salon service pricing, as well as the latest laws on taxation, licensing, and other legal aspects of private enterpreneruship in Georgia.

In September 2008, Miledi, Namgalauri’s and his wife Elene’s private beauty salon, opened its doors. Recently, Namgalauri used his graphic-design skills to develop a colorful 2009 calendar with pictures of various hairstyles offered by his salon, which proved to be an effective advertising tool.

“With assistance from the Batumi IATP center, I managed to obtain useful skills and information that helped me to open this family business. Considering the current complicated employment situation in the country, it is very important to have a private source of income. I’m also proud that I’m providing employment for five more people in our beauty salon.” Namgalauri is one of 104 private entrepreneurs trained by IATP in Georgia since 2008.

Operating 46 resource centers in eight Eurasian countries, the Internet Access and Training Program (IATP) offers free technological skills training, internet connectivity, and a variety of technology-related events.

IREX began implementing IATP in Georgia in 1997 and currently oversees five regional IATP access sites and seven Independent Internet Centers (IICs). The IICs are former IATP centers that have graduated from IATP funding to financial self-sufficiency and independent management while continuing to offer free services in line with IATP development goals. In addition to offering training and internet access services, IATP centers and IICs in Georgia and across Eurasia work closely with public, private, and civil society entities to offer educational events, technical resources, and targeted training to local residents.