- Georgia Today

TBC Presents: Cinema on the Road – Bringing Modern Georgian Cinema to Your City

Get ready for a cinematic journey—modern Georgian films are coming to cities across the country.

Cinema on the Road is a project initiated by independent Georgian filmmakers, launching a series of open-air film screenings throughout Georgia with the support of TBC.

Beginning on June 6 in Telavi, Cinema on the Road will travel to 10 cities, bringing modern Georgian cinema to local audiences. The first stop will be in Kakheti, where the opening screening will set the stage for a nationwide tour.

The journey will include stops in:
Telavi, Kvareli, Lagodekhi, Gurjaani, Akhaltsikhe, Kutaisi, Zestaponi, Poti, Kobuleti, and Vani—transforming each location into a cultural meeting point this June and July.

Following each screening, attendees will be invited to take part in open discussions with the project’s creators and the filmmakers themselves. Everyone is welcome to join these unique community events.

Cinema is one of the most powerful cultural mediums—it brings people together, tells deeply human stories, and creates shared emotional experiences. It sparks dialogue, provokes thought, fosters critical thinking, and shapes public consciousness.

At TBC, we believe in the power of art to inspire, connect, and enrich lives. Supporting culture and the arts, especially in regional communities, is one of our core, enduring commitments. We strive to create opportunities for everyone to engage with and be part of contemporary art.

Let the journey begin—with stories that move, inspire, and connect us.
Cinema is on the road—full of emotion, meaning, and adventure.

Empowered by TBC: Georgian AI Olympiad Winners Set to Compete on the Global Stage in Beijing

With the support of TBC, the winners of the National Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence will represent Georgia at the prestigious International Olympiad on Artificial Intelligence (IOAI) in China.

The award ceremony for the winners of the National AI Olympiad took place at the multifunctional TBC Concept space. The event featured leading experts in the field who shared insights with the young participants on key topics such as the role of artificial intelligence in everyday life and how to pursue a career in AI. A panel discussion with the Olympiad winners reflected on their journey through the competition and their preparation for the upcoming international challenge in Beijing, scheduled for August 2–9.

The National AI Olympiad, organized by the Georgian Association of Artificial Intelligence (GAIA) and supported by TBC, concluded with its second and final round. The winning students will now form Georgia’s first-ever national team to compete at the International Olympiad on Artificial Intelligence (IOAI) in 2025.

IOAI, launched in 2024, is an elite global competition that unites high school students passionate about artificial intelligence and data science from over 60 countries. The Olympiad has rapidly become a cornerstone of international AI education and collaboration.

Georgia’s participation in this global event is a significant milestone for the country’s technological advancement and integration into the international AI community. The National AI Olympiad plays a key role in nurturing local talent, encouraging the exchange of knowledge, and enhancing practical skills in AI. With TBC’s support, GAIA developed a tailored Olympiad preparation course that not only prepares students for competition but also creates opportunities to connect with top professionals in the field.

TBC, a leader in youth education and innovation, is the main supporter of the Olympiad preparation course, the National AI Olympiad, and Georgia’s national team for the IOAI. Through its partnership with GAIA, TBC’s data science team actively mentors students, offering guidance and support throughout their training for the international competition.

At TBC, we believe education is the foundation of personal growth and achievement. Our educational initiatives are designed to empower young people to pursue their passions and create their own success stories—anytime, anywhere. With curiosity and innovation, the future is yours to shape.

TBC Leasing to Showcase Financing Solutions at International Logistics Forum in Tbilisi

On June 19–20, Tbilisi will host the International Logistics Exhibition and Forum, co-organized by ExpoGeorgia and the consulting firm Savi, with the support of TBC Leasing.

This large-scale event responds to the dynamic growth of the logistics sector and brings together key segments, including sea, land, air, and rail logistics, warehouse infrastructure, digital transformation, and financial instruments.

The forum offers a unique platform for networking and partnership-building among local and international logistics companies, port and railway authorities, air carriers, financial and investment institutions, as well as businesses involved in import/export seeking reliable logistics partners.

TBC Leasing will take part in the thematic panel on June 19, where it will present its range of alternative financing tools and tailored products for the transportation and logistics industry.

For full event details, visit.

Facing the End: When Entrepreneurs Choose to “Kill” Their Business — Insights from TBC Thursday Meetings

At business forums, TED Talks, and panel discussions, we often hear inspiring stories of success — stories of thriving companies, breakthrough ideas, and personal triumphs. But what about the other side of entrepreneurship — the moment when a founder decides to walk away from their business?

That was the bold focus of the latest TBC Thursday Meeting, where speakers shared candid stories not about success, but about the courage it takes to shut a business down.

The discussion featured Elene Zamtaradze, founder of the hostel Black Tomato, and Gabriel Meliva, a tech entrepreneur with a background in banking.

Elene spoke about launching a hostel in the historic district of Kutaisi — a social space designed for adventurous solo travelers. While the concept was promising and initially successful, it wasn’t sustainable. COVID-19 hit hard, and after a three-year pause, she and her partner made the difficult decision to let the business go.

“It would take too long to recover the investment we made. We had to ask ourselves whether we wanted to manage this business alongside our main jobs. In the end, we chose to ‘kill it’,” Elene admitted.

Gabriel Meliva brought a different perspective — one of experience. His first ventures, including a hot dog stand and a second-hand clothing store, didn’t last long.

“I opened them… and regretted it soon after,” he said. Since then, Gabriel has built several successful businesses, making thoughtful and strategic decisions along the way — even when it meant shutting things down.

The honesty of the speakers encouraged others in the audience to share their own setbacks. As more people joined the conversation, additional chairs were pulled up to the roundtable.

Tsotne Kaluchava, who recently ended a project involving a bicycle-powered coffee machine, shared a vivid metaphor:

“From the front, it looks sleek — beautiful branding that makes you want to drink coffee. But from the back, you’ll see burnt wood and worn details. That’s what business is like. It looks great from the outside, but behind it all is hard work. You need to know when to stop — before the coffee spills and everything is ruined.”

Guri Sichinava, who recently paused his printing business (temporarily, as he says), spoke about the emotional toll of such a decision:

“Sometimes, stopping a business means recognizing that an idea has reached its limit — and that your energy is better spent elsewhere.”

Mariam (Makuna) Gogibedashvili, founder of the clothing brand Rumori, shared her story of transformation. She shifted entirely to producing uniforms and recalled a phrase from her university lecturer:

“There are two big exits and four small exits in business.”

Despite the challenges, none of the speakers regretted starting their ventures. On the contrary, they emphasized how much they learned from the process.

TBC Thursday Meetings continue to foster open and necessary conversations in the business community. Details about the June session — including topics and guest speakers — will be announced soon.

TBC Supports Georgian Startups in Reaching Final Stage of Microsoft AI Accelerator

With the support of TBC, three Georgian startups—HALF-CHAIN, FINA, and GAIN—have reached the final stage of the AI Fintech & Insurtech Accelerator, a prestigious program organized by Microsoft and Nvidia. A total of 16 startups from across Central and Eastern Europe were selected for this competitive initiative.

The finalist startups are currently participating in a six-week intensive acceleration program that includes mentorship from Microsoft and Nvidia’s top technical and strategic experts. The program will culminate in a Demo Day on June 13 in Warsaw, where the startups will present their solutions to key representatives of global technology and financial institutions, including Mastercard, Microsoft, Nvidia, and other major international banking and insurance corporations.

For the first time this year, TBC is among the official partners of the program. As one of the leading technology companies in the region, TBC continues to play an active role in developing the local tech ecosystem and helping Georgian startups connect with global platforms.

Highlighting TBC’s growing reputation and leadership in the tech sector, Giorgi Kanchaveli, Head of TBC’s Digital Business Development League, has been invited to join the Demo Day jury. His participation underlines the company’s commitment to shaping the future of AI in the financial sector and its involvement in evaluating and mentoring emerging startups.

TBC remains dedicated to supporting technological innovation both in Georgia and internationally, with a clear mission to foster the global success of Georgian startups.

TBC Concept Presents the 18th Edition of the Black Sea Jazz Festival in Batumi

With the support of TBC Concept, the 18th Black Sea Jazz Festival returns to Batumi for three unforgettable nights by the sea, from July 11 to 13. The festival will once again take place at its traditional venue—Batumi Courts—bringing together legendary performers and music lovers from across the region.

Festival Line-Up:

July 11 | LEDISI
July 12 | GARCIA VINCEN | NEXT MOVEMENT
July 13 | SISTER SLEDGE

VIP Experience:

VIP ticket holders are invited to exclusive jam sessions each night of the festival at the club “Take 5”, hosted by TNM.

Ticket Information:

Tickets are available at this link.

TBC Concept Pre-Sale Offer:

From now until June 9, TBC Concept Visa debit cardholders can enjoy an exclusive 25% discount on tickets as part of the pre-sale.

After the pre-sale period, TBC Concept Visa debit cardholders will continue to receive a 20% discount.
Please note: This offer does not apply to TBC Concept credit cards.

The Black Sea Jazz Festival is organized by Eastern Promotions and proudly presented by TBC Concept.

Supported by: VISA, Ministry of Culture of Georgia, Ministry of Culture of Ajara, Batumi City Hall, Tegeta, Porsche, Isi Pari, Grill Town Restaurant, Alma, and Tkt.ge.

“The Main Thing Is to Believe” – TBC’s Workshop Festival Unlocks the Power of Self-Discovery

Discovering your own abilities is an unforgettable adventure—one that everyone should experience. It’s a journey filled with emotions: curiosity, a hunger for novelty, excitement, and sometimes even fear. But courage—born from belief—is the key to moving forward.

On May 31 and June 1, the TBC Workshop Festival once again became a space where belief turned into action. It reminded us that “The main thing is to believe.”

Over two vibrant days, the festival created a world of creativity, where guests explored new directions and uncovered parts of themselves they hadn’t known before. People who once believed they couldn’t draw, dance, bake pizza, or craft anything with their hands, found themselves surprised by their own talents. All it took was a spark of self-belief.

Visitors had the opportunity to bring long-held dreams to life—learning how to taste wine like a sommelier, care for pets, administer first aid, create ceramic art, and more. The festival wasn’t just about skills; it was about shattering the boundaries we often place on ourselves and realizing that what once seemed impossible can, in fact, become reality.

Under sunny skies, with music in the air and an atmosphere charged with joyful energy, the Workshop Festival marked a perfect farewell to spring and a bold hello to summer. It reminded everyone that learning is more than knowledge—it’s the awakening of confidence and potential.

“What I like most is that the space is designed for people of all interests. You can love sculpting, sewing, drawing, baking, brewing, healthy living—the festival has something for everyone. The vibrant, colorful environment makes you want to explore yourself from every angle,”
— Ketevan Janiashvili, festival guest

That’s why, at TBC, we believe everything begins the moment you encounter a version of yourself you never imagined—because you dared to believe. “The main thing is to believe” wasn’t just a slogan printed on the walls. It was felt deeply and personally by every guest, in every workshop, in every discovery.

“Such events are so important—not just for adults, but for children too. They get to explore new and unfamiliar things. I believe it helps people grow in ways that shape a more interesting and inspired future,”
— Mariam Gabrichidze, festival guest

The Workshop Festival reminded us all: a new beginning is possible at any age. Life’s most compelling stories often start in unexpected places—with self-discovery and belief. And the memories, emotions, and awakenings from these two days will echo far beyond the festival grounds.

Because, once again, it became clear—the impossible is possible, the main thing is to believe.

TBC Backs International Seminar to Boost Georgia’s Blueberry Sector

With the support of TBC and the Georgian Blueberry Producers Association, an international seminar was held in Batumi focused on best practices in blueberry cultivation and post-harvest management.

The event featured leading experts from Chile—one of the world’s top countries in blueberry production—who shared both theoretical insights and hands-on experience with member companies of the association:

Sebastian Ochoa, international agronomist and consultant to exporters in 22 countries;
Dr. Luis Luchsinger, globally recognized expert in cold chain management and fruit storage.

Key topics included soil preparation, irrigation techniques, harvest optimization, cold chain technologies, transportation standards, quality improvement, and strategies for entering high-value export markets.

Blueberry farming is a relatively new but fast-growing agricultural sector in Georgia. In 2024, the country exported around 5,000 tons of blueberries—a 44% increase over the previous year. Blueberry orchards now span over 3,000 hectares, with producers actively working to diversify export destinations and access premium markets.

As Georgia’s leading business partner, TBC views agriculture as a strategic priority. The bank consistently supports the adoption of innovative practices and high standards in the sector. In the blueberry industry alone, TBC has financed nearly 300 hectares of orchards within the corporate segment.

By supporting international seminars and similar knowledge-sharing platforms, TBC is committed to advancing the sector to a new level—fostering economic growth, empowering regional development, and generating new employment opportunities.

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TBC Business Education Program Opens Registration for June Trainings

As part of the TBC Business Education Program, registration is now open for the June series of business trainings.

With the support of TBC Business, five expert-led sessions will be held throughout June, covering a variety of topics essential for business development. Participants will gain valuable insights from industry professionals and be able to apply this knowledge to strengthen and grow their own businesses.

June Training Schedule:

June 13 (Online): Operations Management
Led by business consultant Miranda Manjgaladze, this session will focus on strategies and tools for effective operations management.
June 17 & 19 (Online): E-Commerce Essentials
E-commerce expert Kato Ramishvili will guide participants through the fundamentals of online sales, platforms, and strategies for success.
June 24: Tax Fundamentals in Georgia
Tax consultant David Papiashvili will cover the basic principles of tax obligations in Georgia, supplemented with practical calculation examples.
June 26 (Online): Common Financial Mistakes in Business
Business consultant Shalva Akhrakhadze will address frequent financial errors made by businesses and offer strategies to avoid them.
June 30: Understanding the Export Cycle
Giorgi Gudabadze, Associate Partner at Savvy, will explore the stages of the export process and provide actionable insights for businesses aiming to expand internationally.

Participation is free of charge and open to all TBC Business clients. To register and access more detailed information about the courses, please visit.

These educational sessions aim to empower business representatives with the latest and most practical knowledge, supporting the growth and success of Georgia’s business community.

Empowering Future Innovators: Nugo Topuria’s Journey with TBC Campus

TBC Campus Participant Nugo Topuria

TBC Campus is an educational program designed for those who believe education can help them create their own story.
TBC has established a unique learning environment, different from a traditional university, where students gain not only theoretical knowledge but also practical experience. Upon completing the program, graduates are well-prepared to enter the competitive job market in their chosen fields.

TBC Campus participant Nugo Topuria shares:
“At TBC Campus, I learned about entrepreneurship and business planning. I am generally passionate about everything related to the creation and management of startups. TBC Campus has given me the confidence that a good idea should never remain unrealized. With proper planning and motivation, securing investment and turning an idea into reality is entirely possible.”

The practical experience of working alongside TBC’s team of specialists and invited professional lecturers, combined with solid theoretical knowledge, equips campus graduates to meet modern market challenges, find employment, and bring innovative ideas to life—despite the intense competition in their fields.

Nugo adds:
“The course I took was a very valuable experience. The most impactful part for me was hearing success stories, advice, and approaches from two successful entrepreneurs, which greatly helped me in my own business. I enjoyed the course so much that I joined the new TBC Campus intake and plan to study Technology Project Management.”

The new generation is shaping a new future and writing a new history. Supporting them on this journey and providing access to quality education is one of TBC’s main priorities.

With education, you create your own story—believing in your goals is essential. TBC’s programs offer the opportunity to learn from anywhere and deepen your knowledge and interests through a continuous pursuit of innovation.

TBC, Visa, and VELI Business Support Individual Entrepreneurs

Through a joint initiative by TBC, Visa, and VELI Business, individual entrepreneurs—including self-employed professionals and freelancers—can purchase products tailored to their needs on the Veli Business online platform and receive 30% cashback, up to a maximum of 200 GEL.

This special offer is available for one month, from June 6 to July 6, 2025. To qualify, payments must be made using a TBC business card.

The goal of this collaboration is to support and empower individual entrepreneurs by providing easy access to essential inventory, equipment, or tools, helping them grow their businesses and stay “one step ahead.”

“Supporting individual entrepreneurs is a priority for TBC Business. We understand the challenges faced by self-employed people every day. That is why we continuously introduce services and products designed to simplify their work and help them stay ahead. We remain committed to supporting the self-employed and will offer many more valuable products and services in the near future,” said Vepkhvia Lominashvili, TBC Business Leader.

For more information about the offer, please visit the link or contact the TBC Business hotline at (032) 2 2727*3.

2025 Eliso Film Award Nominees Announced

The winners of the 2025 Eliso Film Awards will be revealed on June 14.

Here are the nominees for 2025:

Best Film:

Blueberry (Elene Mikaberidze)
Pure Electricity (Tato Kotetishvili)
At the Crossroads (Levan Akin)
Panopticon (Giorgi Sikharulidze)

Best Director:

Maka Gogaladze – As Long as I Can Remember
Levan Akin – At the Crossroads
Tato Kotetishvili – Pure Electricity
Giorgi Sikharulidze – Panopticon

Best Actor:

Data Chachua (Panopticon)
Mzia Arabuli (At the Crossroads)
Nicolo Ghviniashvili (Panopticon)
Ia Sukhitashvili (Panopticon)

Best Cinematography:

Oleg Mutu (Panopticon)
Lisabi Friedeli (At the Crossroads)
Tato Kotetishvili (Pure Electricity)
Maka Gogaladze (As Long as I Can Remember)

Best Editing:

Nodar Nozadze (Pure Electricity)
Maka Gogaladze (As Long as I Can Remember)
Yannick Leroy, Philippe Buc (Blueberry)
Levan Akin, Emma Lagrelius (At the Crossroads)

Best Art Direction:

Ketevan Nadibaidze (Panopticon)
Roger Rosenberg (At the Crossroads)
Salome Skhirtladze (The Air is Blue Silk)
Nato Bagrationi, Anuka Kalandarishvili (Pure Electricity)

Additionally, the Nato Vachnadze Foundation will announce the recipient of the 2025 Nato Vachnadze Prize.

This year’s competition considered full-length feature and documentary films produced or co-produced in Georgia and released in 2024. By the Foundation’s decision, the number of nominations has increased.

On June 14, coinciding with Nato Vachnadze’s birthday, the international, star-studded jury will reveal their decisions. The jury includes Carlos Reygadas, Elene Naveriani, Salome Kikaleishvili, Agnieszka Holland, Dito Tsintsadze, Angeliki Papoulia, and Thomas Hakim.

Since its inception, TBC has been a loyal supporter and general partner of the Eliso Award. Main sponsors include Coca-Cola, Citroën, Vazisubani Estate, Enken Films, Blutabla, Sarajishvili, and Rooms Hotel.