Georgia

Mercy Corps has been working in Georgia since 2000, supporting communities to build more productive and resilient futures. In 2024, our programs reached over 65,000 people across the country.

The Context

Georgia, a former Soviet republic, experienced a pivotal shift in 2003 that reshaped its political and social landscape. In the years that followed, the country faced challenges in strengthening civil society and addressing economic hardships, particularly in rural areas.

Until 2020, Georgia experienced strong economic growth and a sharp decline in poverty, but the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a recession, halting key industries like transport, tourism, and construction. Unemployment has risen to 14%. Young people, particularly in rural areas, face limited job opportunities and a lack of resources for skill development. As many leave in search of better prospects abroad, local communities struggle to sustain themselves.

Despite women’s high educational level, women face barriers to career advancement and leadership positions, limiting their economic status in the country. Women make up less than 25% of new business owners and represent only 33.9% of Georgia's formal economic participation.

Our Impact

Mercy Corps supports economic development in rural regions. Our adaptable approach allows us to stay attuned to the changing needs of communities, ensuring our programs remain relevant and effective. Through our program activities we are making an impact across the areas below:

Rural development through increasing economic opportunities

Mercy Corps works with communities to transform local industries and create sustainable livelihoods for small-scale producers, farmers, and entrepreneurs. By partnering with the private sector, Mercy Corps identifies areas for growth and investment in sectors such as dairy, beef, livestock, honey, décor, handicrafts, greenhouses, and tourism. We support small-scale, semi-commercial farms by helping them access finance opportunities, technical support, and connecting them to markets which help small businesses grow into professional commercial enterprises.

Since access to finance is essential for growth, Mercy Corps supports the development of financial products designed to meet the specific needs of rural entrepreneurs and small businesses. Additionally, Mercy Corps works with entrepreneurs to increase their skills, training small business owners on how to identify, apply for, and make the most of financial resources. By equipping entrepreneurs with the skills, resources, and mentorship they need, Mercy Corps is supporting a generation of business leaders who will shape Georgia's future economy.

Supporting women entrepreneurs’ connection to locally led community groups

Mercy Corps works with women entrepreneurs to strengthen their businesses and connection to civil society organizations. Our program established a municipal service called Women’s Room designed to connect women small business owners with local government resources and funding opportunities. Across Georgia, 32 Women’s Room community spaces have been created, supporting more than 250 entrepreneurs with small grants to launch businesses, create jobs, and strengthen local economies. Now operating in 31 municipalities across seven regions, these spaces are coordinated through a dedicated network to enhance economic opportunities at the local level.

We support women small business owners in enhancing their digital presence. Our initiatives also raise awareness of online security risks and provide resources to safeguard against digital threats. Through workshops, forums, and educational content shared via online platforms, we ensure that women entrepreneurs have access to the information needed to navigate the digital space safely and effectively.