UNDP and CARE Caucasus have concluded the two-year initiative assisting refugees in Georgia in launching and growing small businesses and rebuilding their lives with independence and dignity.

Funded by the German Government through the UNDP-led project ‘Improving the Rule of Law and Access to Justice for All’, the initiative has empowered refugee entrepreneurs, primarily from Ukraine, to turn ideas into sustainable livelihoods.

On 26 March, refugee entrepreneurs gathered in Tbilisi for a business fair hosted by the German Embassy, UNDP, and CARE Caucasus. The event brought together members of the diplomatic community and international organisations to showcase business successes and explore opportunities for future growth.

“Targeted support delivers real results,” said Esther Lena Wagner, Deputy Head of Mission at the German Embassy. “Out of 84 businesses supported under this project, 73 are active and sustainable. They create jobs and bring new energy to Georgia’s economy. This is resilience in action.”

“Behind every business is a story of courage and determination,” said Douglas Webb, UNDP Resident Representative in Georgia. “When people have access to resources and opportunities, they can rebuild their lives and strengthen their communities.”

Since 2023, the initiative has built a vibrant community of 73 fully operational refugee-led businesses across Tbilisi, Batumi, and other regions, employing 175 people. Enterprises report average profit margins of around 30 percent, while up to 90 percent of entrepreneurs say the financial situation of their families has improved.

The total grant support of GEL1,000,000 helped refugee entrepreneurs generate nearly three times that value (ROI 2.98x), highlighting the project’s strong economic impact and the promising future of these enterprises.

Beyond financial support, the initiative invested in people’s skills:

• 198 refugees received specialised business training.
• Over 300 enhanced their professional skills through coaching.
• 768 accessed legal and financial advice to navigate business opportunities in a new country.

“This partnership is about support and sustainability,” said Nino Bolkvadze, CEO at CARE Caucasus. “Refugee families are building stable, independent futures. We are proud to stand with them.”

Background

Refugee support was part of the wider ‘Improving the Rule of Law and Access to Justice for All’ initiative, funded by the German Government and implemented by UNDP. This specific component was delivered in partnership with CARE Caucasus.

Media Contacts

• Sofia Kamushadze, CARE Caucasus,  +995 599 619962, sofia.kamushadze@care.org 
• Sophie Tchitchinadze, UNDP, +995 599 196907, sophie.tchitchinadze@undp.org
• Elene Sakvarelidze, UNDP, +995 599 003944, elene.sakvarelidze@undp.org