Baku - IOM Azerbaijan’s subcontractor “Finance and Social Innovation Consulting” LLC is conducting needs assessment to evaluate the necessity of business start-ups and other income-generating activities among IDPs residing in the target areas of the project on ‘Integrated Rural Development for Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Communities in Azerbaijan through Revitalization of the Kahriz Water Supply System’ financed by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). Already respective survey and interviews have been completed covering over 750 respondents – IDPs residing in all the target regions, who either are engaged in or willing to start a micro or small business. Almost all respondents expressed their deep interest in initiating or expanding a business activity that is relevant to their skills and knowledge and in demand in the target regions.

After the submission of all necessary research and survey data IOM Azerbaijan will organize business trainings in identified 2 target regions for 50 shortlisted candidates. 20 out of 50 trainees will be selected as finalists of Support small business program and will be given grants tailored to their individual needs in creation of a small business.

As part of the project which is implemented by IOM Mission in Azerbaijan in coordination with the State Committee for Affairs of Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons of Azerbaijan, it is envisaged to provide support to small business initiatives creating a conducive environment for IDPs to start and maintain income generating/livelihood activities in seven project target regions of Azerbaijan - Fizuli, Aghdam, Aghjabadi, Barda, Goranboy, Ganja, and Goygol.

The above mentioned four-year project aims to provide safe and consistent water supplies for over 8,000 families in rural areas of Aghdam, Aghjabedi, Barda, Fuzuli, Ganja, Gazakh, Goranboy and Goygol districts through the renovation of over 40 kahrizes – a man-made, centuries-old, traditional water-supply system that does not need electricity or fossil fuel to function. In addition to the renovating the kahrizes, the project has components that involve capacity building, business development and a strong engagement with academia.