More than 80 refugee-led businesses have been launched and supported in Georgia under a joint initiative by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), CARE Caucasus, and the German Government, marking a significant step in helping displaced individuals rebuild their lives through entrepreneurship.
The two-year program, funded by the German Government as part of the UNDP-led project “Improving the Rule of Law and Access to Justice for All,” has primarily supported refugees from Ukraine in transforming business ideas into sustainable sources of income. The initiative officially concluded with a business fair held in Tbilisi on March 26, bringing together refugee entrepreneurs, diplomats, and international organizations.
Based on the program data, 84 businesses received support, of which 73 are currently active and sustainable. These enterprises operate across Tbilisi, Batumi, and other regions, employing a total of 175 people and contributing to local economic activity. On average, participating businesses report profit margins of around 30 percent, while up to 90 percent of entrepreneurs say their family financial situation has improved.
“Targeted support delivers real results,” said Esther Lena Wagner, Deputy Head of Mission at the German Embassy in Georgia. “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.”
Douglas Webb, UNDP Resident Representative in Georgia, highlighted the human dimension behind the figures, noting that each business reflects “a story of courage and determination,” and that access to resources enables displaced people to rebuild their lives and strengthen host communities.
The program’s total grant funding of GEL 1 million generated nearly three times that value in economic return, with a reported return on investment of 2.98. Beyond financial assistance, the initiative focused heavily on skills development: 198 refugees received specialized business training, over 300 benefited from professional coaching, and 768 accessed legal and financial advisory services to navigate Georgia’s business environment.
“This partnership is about support and sustainability,” said Nino Bolkvadze, CEO of CARE Caucasus. “Refugee families are building stable, independent futures. We are proud to stand with them.”
The initiative comes in a broader regional context shaped by Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine, which has forced millions of Ukrainians to flee their homes since 2022. Georgia has hosted thousands of Ukrainian refugees, many of whom have sought not only temporary shelter but also long-term opportunities to integrate economically and socially.
By focusing on entrepreneurship, the program aimed to move beyond humanitarian assistance toward sustainable development, enabling refugees to become active contributors to Georgia’s economy. Organizers say the results demonstrate the potential of targeted international cooperation in turning displacement into opportunity, while also strengthening local communities.
The refugee support component formed part of the wider UNDP initiative “Improving the Rule of Law and Access to Justice for All,” funded by the German Government and implemented in partnership with CARE Caucasus.
