3. BSC Success Story
Success requires patience and determination. Starting a business and registering it is easy, but
establishing a sustainable and successful company requires clever, confident and measured
steps.
BSC has been perceived as a EU-funded company. Although its foundations were laid by the EU
TACIS program (Technical Assistance to the Commonwealth of Independent States) and is one
of the most successful TACIS projects in the CIS countries, BSC has been a sustainable self-
financing company for over 20 years.
BSC's story dates back to the 90's. In the framework of the EU TACIS program, the German
Technical Cooperation Agency - GTZ (currently GIZ) together with Triodos Facet (Dutch firm)
established the SME Development Agency in Armenia, SMEDA, aimed at providing training and
consulting services to Armenian SME's. Later SMEDA was renamed Armenian Foundation for
Small and Medium Enterprises - AFSME.
In 1995 two of the EU TACIS projects - AFSME and Business Communication Center, BCC,
united to establish a new organization, Armenian Business Support Center - ABSC, aimed at
providing high-quality consulting services to SME's and their foreign partners. In 1996, financing
by TACIS was to end, and it was to be determined whether to continue the operations or not
and, if so, how to do it. As a result of discussions, some of the employees of the organization
were united around the idea of establishing a strong, sustainable and high-quality private
consulting company in Armenia.
In 1996 the BSC Business Support Center was established as a company providing management
consulting and business training services. In the first years of operation, BSC was cooperating
with Triodos Facet, implementing joint projects aimed at SME development in Armenia. These
were also years of professional development for the company staff, and in cooperation with
Triodos Facet, the staff took part in various training programs, acquiring rich knowledge to
provide high quality services in the consulting market. Until 1998, BSC continued to be partially
financed by TACIS. During these years the company staff was providing consulting services in
both local and foreign markets.
4. In 1998 EU financing ended, and the majority of employees left the organization. Only some of
them remained, including the current BSC director, Samvel Gevorgyan. Gevorgyan believed that
the time, resources and efforts invested would be justified, and that success was still to come.
He was hired in AFMSE as a junior consultant, and was also a first-year graduate student at the
American University of Armenia. He was confident that he could create a company which would
contribute to the development of the management consulting market in Armenia. That is why he
continued his work even in unfavorable economic conditions. At that time, when there was a
lack of external funding, it seemed Armenian companies did not see a need for professional
consultancy to strengthen their business and overcome the economic crisis.
An important period for BSC was its participation in a competition by the USAID Academy for
Educational Development, or AED, in which BSC was the winning company. In addition to
services offered to the private sector, this victory gave BSC an opportunity to stand up as a
sustainable company not only in Yerevan, but also in the regions of Armenia. BSC was able to
play an important role in the creation of jobs, establishment of regional enterprises, and
development of new income sources through the development of business plans for hundreds of
SME's and through the provision of trainings on marketing, management, accounting and other
topics necessary for effective business operations.
BSC was the first Armenian consulting and training company that spread its experience, skills
and working style among regional business service centers in the framework of joint projects
with GTZ in the Syunik and Tavush regions. Through our activities, we not only strive to
recognize the importance of regional development, but also to make valuable contributions to it.
During the past 22 years Gevorgyan has made business visits to 850 communities, and aims to
visit the other 100 communities in the framework of projects contributing to economic activity.
Besides, BSC has always been a "forge of professionals." Over the years, the company has
employed 111 specialists. The majority currently work in reputable international companies and
organizations both in Armenia and abroad. BSC is proud to have made its contribution to the
professional development of management consultants. Until today we work with junior
specialists, as we believe that we can transfer to them our rich experience and skills, and at the
same time enable them to reach their potential.
We're always open to share our experience and knowledge with our partners, giving secondary
importance to competition and valuing long-term cooperation. We are ready to support others in
the consulting market, in addition to our partners and clients. By sharing and exchanging
knowledge and experience, we contribute to the improvement of the quality of service in the
market and to the development of a positive perception towards management consulting.
5. BSC's success is due to the belief that hard work can help achieve success, overcome the
obstacles and lead to excellence. By maintaining constant communication with the market and
establishing loyal partner relationships, BSC today is a strong, sustainable and reliable company,
implementing development projects with reputable international organizations, providing
professional development and consultancy services to market leaders and SME's, offering
solutions in the development of innovative technologies, and contributing to the development
and strengthening of the business culture in the market. We believe that our rich history enables
us to overcome any obstacles and to achieve unlimited success.
6. BSC Experts
Samvel Gevorgyan
Experience and knowledge are the most important
values, especially in our times.
But it is more important when you share that
knowledge and exchange your experience with
partners, clients and employees.
This is not only my job as a managing partner, but
also my contribution to the professional development
of the younger generation. Being open to ideas and
opinions of the youth, I try to discover their potential
through experience exchange.
Liana Sargsyan
Will this course of action simplify or complicate the
situation? I encounter this question every day while
facing challenges as a deputy director and
management consultant at BSC. Although a happy
and easy life is always a preference, handling
complexity becomes attractive when I experience
progress!
Nune Varosyan
Deep knowledge and rich experience are not always
enough to make the right decision from many
possible options; a well-developed intuition is also a
must-have. With the help of analytical skills and well-
developed insight, necessary for a management
consultant, I am able to find unique solutions that
allow me to ensure the best result.
Arevik Toneryan
The primary function of a management consultant is
to identify and find solutions to problems. Working at
BSC for 10 years as a management consultant I have
mastered skills for a timely discovery of problems,
reacting quickly, and finding appropriate solutions on
the spot. All these help me avoid further complications
and problems.
Ashkhen Khudaverdyan
I have always looked for a job where I would be able
to share my knowledge and experience and support
people in finding solutions to their problems. The
work of a management consultant allows me to be
engaged in activities to benefit the public, and to
discover new opportunities for professional
development at the same time.
Gohar Sargsyan
In any sphere, a professional approach enhances
work efficiency and contributes to professional
development. As a marketing manager I am sure that
work efficiency depends on my analytical skills, which
help me in properly applying creative thinking and
communication skills and in making justified decisions.
7. BSC Experts
Armine Arakelyan
Life is too short and busy to do only one thing at a
time. As a management consultant I multitask, which
enables me to enrich my skills, experience and resist
pressure in a fast paced-environment.
Lilit Meliksetyan
As a management consultant I try to discover the
culture, lifestyle, mindset and attitude toward work of
people living in different communities of Armenia. This
is a unique source of energy and motivation for me.
Through my job I strive to bring happiness to
community members, so that they feel protected, safe
and secure.
Gayane Gevorgyan
I believe that trust is the cornerstone of any
relationship, especially in the accountant's work.
Trust helps me be confident about the future, to
believe and strive for success and to stand firmly on
my own two feet, as I know that I am part of a
united team; a team that jointly overcomes all
obstacles and strives for excellence.
Zara Nurbegyan
Undertaking a variety of responsibilities, I
communicate with interesting specialists with different
approaches, finding solutions to unexpected problems.
In the work of a management consultant I enjoy
flexibility and variety and the opportunity to apply
innovative and creative approaches that help me
develop my professional skills and gain experience in
different spheres.
Lusine Amirjanyan
In a management consultant's work, diversity is due
not only to the large number of projects, but also to
building business relationships with different clients.
As a result, I have been able to develop my
communication skills, easily understand client needs
and find unique solutions for given problems.
Movses Aleksanyan
In the work of the IT specialist, accuracy is the most
important factor to me. I try to ensure improvement
in my work so that today's work quality is higher than
that of yesterday's. In cooperation with a staff of
management consultants I make a contribution to
enhancing efficiency and quality of work.
8. BSC Experts
Viktorya Ayvazyan
I think that the comprehensive study of each case,
identification of all alternatives, assessment of further
impact and balanced decision-making are the most
interesting parts of a management consultant's work.
The usefulness of solutions offered to the client
depends on your abilities to analyze and select the
best solution out of a number of alternatives.
Mariam Chibukhchyan
In the busy daily routine of the management
consultant, customer relationships occupy a special
place for me. Discussions, debates, analysis,
exchange of knowledge and experience, and the
resulting consultant-client relationship becoming a
partnership. The combination of the client's practical
knowledge of their sector and the consulting tools we
provide increases work efficiency and results in the
best solution.
Armine Antonyan
Character, personality and human qualities play an
important role in each person's job. Being open and
communicative I easily perform duties of the
administrative assistant. Applying my communication
skills, I try to identify the needs of both my
colleagues and clients, and to find the best solutions
that will help them do their work.
Tigran Kkhbelyan
It is important when people believe in your success,
your capacities and your potential. Working at BSC as
a logistics specialist I feel appreciated, which makes
me believe in my own strengths. Through self-
education and development I strive to satisfy the
expectations of those who have believed and still
believe in my success.
9. BSC Strategic Business Units
Management Consulting
To be able to survive and ensure a sustainable position in the rapidly changing and highly
competitive market, companies should continuously improve their performance, enhance
resource utilization efficiency, match supply with the drastic changes in consumer demand, and
expand their activities to overseas markets to ensure higher revenues.
To achieve these goals companies often need external support from consultants specialized in
business management. In a short period of time consultants can offer solutions that meet the
company's and its clients' needs, and provide support in the process of business management.
Operating in Armenia and in foreign markets for 22 years, BSC has been providing management
consulting services to public and private organizations, international development agencies,
NGOs, entrepreneurs and start-ups, operating in the fields of manufacturing, agriculture and
processing, services, finances, etc.
10. Research & Evaluation
BSC strives to instill trust in research in the market by providing high quality services that meet
client expectations. BSC is a trusted research partner for various reputable international
organizations, as well as for private sector representatives.
BSC is confident that conducting research contributes to justified and targeted decision-making
by organizations from various sectors in Armenia. Proper decision-making increases both the
organization's productivity and development at the sector-level, and helps to avoid failure risks.
We enhance the use of research in the market by providing high quality services, strengthen
trust towards research tools and raise awareness on its importance and necessity.
Development Projects
We believe that the cornerstone of economic and social stability is the natural development of
the economy together with the establishment of a dynamic business environment. That is the
reason that BSC has been implementing development projects for various sectors of the
economy and different communities of Armenia and the Caucasus region for over 22 years.
About 75 % of BSC's projects are carried out in the regions, with the aim to improve quality of
life for the communities and to ensure development of the whole country's economy. With the
help of these development projects, BSC has contributed to the development of
entrepreneurship and the establishment of a healthy competitive environment, as well as the
promotion of economic activity and the creation of new development opportunities for
communities.
11. Professional Development
During 22 years in business, BSC has implemented more than 1,300 trainings, seminars and
other educational programs for more than 13,000 participants from the private and public
sectors, international organizations, and community representatives. We believe that the best
results of training and consulting sessions are realized over time, when participants apply
acquired skills in practice, and we can evaluate training effectiveness based on significant
results. This is why all BSC trainings are based on practical examples, cases studies, and from
personal experience, in which participants have the opportunity to work on problems from their
own companies. The company not only carries out training courses, seminars, short-term
trainings, conferences and forums, but also implements joint projects in different regions of
Armenia that contribute to capacity building of entrepreneurs.
Solutions in Innovative Technologies
BSC believes that the IT sector in Armenia has strong development potential, which is why we
encourage the application of information technologies to its clients. By providing management
consulting services in the sector of innovative technologies, we strive to contribute to this
sector's development and the expansion of IT companies in Armenia and abroad. To that end,
BSC offers IT companies the following services: partner search in foreign countries; attracting
funds and investments for companies and individuals in the Armenian innovative technologies
sector; management consulting services adapted to the needs of IT companies.
BSC supports companies in the application of innovative technologies, business process
adaptation, staff training and several other areas, contributing to companies' performance and
business process automation.
12. BSC 2020 Strategy
Strategy that we are driven by
One question often asked by clients and partners is, "Is it possible to achieve success without
strategy." Let's answer this question taking BSC as an example. Mission, vision and values are
an integral part of any company's strategy, and it is vital to develop and follow them in the
course of all business processes.
Experience has proven that the best reflection of mission, vision and values is derived from joint
teamwork and discussions with company employees. We at BSC are confident that a company's
vision can become reality only when company employees believe in it and strive to work
together to achieve common, shared goals and results.
Vision we believe in
BSC's previous strategy, “BSC-20” (in honor of the company's 20th anniversary), was designed
for the years 2010-2014. The core of this strategy was running competitive, socially responsible,
fair and sustainable business activities in the public, private and social sectors. Throughout 22
years in operation, the company has overcome many obstacles, but has ensured continuous
development both in its activities and in supporting clients and partners.
13. Currently both Armenian and international economies are undergoing dynamic changes. As a
result of the great flow of information, market entry of new competitors and rapid economic
changes, companies need to have a clear strategy to ensure competitiveness in international
and local markets. That is why, while developing its new strategy, BSC has attached great
importance to innovative ideas, client needs, market trends and international experience.
Development of the new strategy BSC 2020 (for the years 2015-2020) involved the whole
company staff, in an effort to apply collective experience and knowledge, and welcomed a
creative spirit for developing a vision to lead the company forward. The strategy will become a
guide, both for clients and employees, reflecting market requirements and perceptions. As a
result of meetings, discussions and seminars BSC's new vision is as follows:
We envision a dynamic business environment, beyond stereotypes,
driven by innovation and an unlimited entrepreneurial spirit.
Mission we follow
Each company needs to clearly understand its role and mission. As the first consulting firm in
Armenia, BSC is one of the founders of the management consulting sector and a company that
ensures continuous development of this sector.
BSC has always stood beside its clients as partner, consultant and supporter. During the years of
its operation the company has concluded that experience, knowledge and a sustainable position
in the market allow it to expand activities and cross boundaries that once seemed unachievable.
As a result of continuous efforts, BSC has managed to ensure growth, which allowed to us to
exceed previously set goals and benchmarks. Our commitment, lack of fear of challenges and
our ambition to move forward are reflected in BSC's new mission statement:
To think beyond the limits, to face the obstacles and believe in opportunities,
to discover the hidden potential and pursue excellence.
This statement fully reflects the feelings of the BSC staff, our attitudes and our potential, which
lead us to achieve our goals.
14. Values we share
Healthy business activity is possible when all employees of the company share a common
organizational culture and values. Just like each person has his/her life values and principles,
BSC has its market values, which the company shares with clients and partners. The company
believes that providing quality service and satisfying client expectations is not enough:
expectations should be exceeded. Management consultants should be able to surprise the client,
continuously engage it in self-education and find innovative solutions for the company.
BSC attaches great importance to its employees' contribution in the company's development,
and considers that BSC's indicators of success are its own previous and current employees. That
is why one of BSC's most important values is promoting teamwork, which results in the most
creative ideas. Management consultants should "walk" in accordance with market trends, be one
step ahead of everyone, be a leading specialist of innovation and creativity, and should
continuously improve professional knowledge and skills.
This is why, while working with partners and clients, and with its own employees, BSC applies
the following principles:
Exceed all expectations and needs of clients and partners
Provide a trustworthy and transparent working relationship
Maintain a superior, rigorous work ethic
Foster a spirit of teamwork and encourage individual creativity
Fully utilize cutting-edge information, technology and tools
Provide continuous opportunities for professional development of
knowledge and skills
The company's mission, vision and values should arise from inside the company, highlighting its
individualism, and should at the same time meet client expectations, as everything we do as
consultants has one goal: to facilitate the client's success.
15. BSC Publications
Greenhouses: Construction, Utilization
and Crop Cultivation Principles
2015
How to Start Your Own Business
in Armenia (III edition)
2010
Corporate Social Responsibility:
Guidebook for Armenian Companies
2010
Small Business
Administration Handbook
2004
16. BSC Publications
Marketing in Armenia
(II edition)
2003
How to Start Your Own Business
in Armenia (II edition)
2003
Legal Business
Regulations in Armenia
2003
How to Start Your Own Business
in Armenia (I edition)
2003
Marketing in Armenia
(I edition)
2001
17. Geographical Coverage - Regions
BSC's high priority is to contribute towards the
effort that creates equal development
opportunities in the regions of Armenia.
About 75% of BSC's projects have been carried
out in the regions, with the aim to improve the
livelihood and the quality of life for the people
in the communities ensuring the country's
holistic economic development.
During the 22 years, BSC has brought its
professional endeavors into 850 Armenian
communities out of 950 extending from the
North, Noyemberyan, to the South, Meghri, and
from the West, Yervandashat, to the East
Vardenis.
With the assistance of the development agencies and organizations, BSC has contributed to the
development of entrepreneurship and the establishment of a healthy competitive environment,
as well as the promotion of economic activity and the creation of new development
opportunities for communities.
These interventions empowered local community people to realize their potential by providing
economic opportunities, creating new jobs and advancing the development of their
communities.
Ararat region - BSC has been operating in the Ararat region since its early
years and has implemented over 69 projects. One of the significant
projects was a feasibility study and a business plan development for the
establishment of a waste management plant in the city of Vedi.
Armavir region - In the Armavir region BSC has carried out 28 projects
mainly in the field of agriculture, the primary sector of the local economy.
One of the important projects was the evaluation of UMCOR's Program on
the Sustainable Cooperative Extension and Agricultural Development
(SCEAD) where BSC assessed the project's impact against the initial goals
and objectives of the program.
Aragatsotn region - In the Aragatsotn region BSC has intervened, by
delivering various services, including business planning for local processing
factories, conducting capacity building programs for rural farmers, as well
as provided technical assistance in the tourism industry, etc.. In total, BSC
has been involved in 22 different initiatives in the Aragatsotn region.
Kotayk region - Although close to the capital, local businesses are still
facing many challenges in the Kotayk region, and this is where BSC put
forth its best efforts by implementing 32 projects. One of the highlighted
projects was in partnership with Mission Armenia to support handicapped
people starting their own businesses in the area.
18. Vayots Dzor region - In the Vayots Dzor region BSC has carried out more
than 55 projects. One of the long-term projects was in partnership with
OXFAM, where BSC worked directly with women in remote communities by
empowering them to be engaged in economic activities, particularly in
greenhouse establishment and management.
Syunik region - The Syunik region is the most densely populated in the
country, and where BSC has intervened significantly by implementing over
138 projects. A vital project was to design a comprehensive business plan
for the establishment of a fruit and vegetable processing plant in Syunik
village.
Shirak region - In the Shirak region BSC conducted 62 projects. An
interesting and challenging project was with CARE International in the
Caucasus, funded by the Austrian Development Agency, where BSC
worked as a consultant to develop business skills and facilitate coaching
sessions for local businesses in the region.
Lori region - In Lori BSC has carried out over 60 business support and
community development projects. The largest project there, in cooperation
with Mission Armenia, was aimed at equipping handicapped people with
business management and marketing skills to start their own businesses in
the region.
Tavush region - In the Tavush region BSC has accomplished over 125
projects, the most prominent ones in the field of agriculture. BSC
implemented a long-term project in partnership with OXFAM, funded by
the Austrian Development Agency, by establishing and strengthening
agricultural cooperatives in 15 rural communities of the region.
Gegharkunik region - There have been over 40 projects in the Gegharkunik
region. A project was conducting a Rapid Rural Appraisal in Vardenis for
UNDP Clima East Project, where BSC assessed 10 communities from a
socio-economic development perspective, with special emphasis on the
management of natural resources and mountain ecosystems under the
challenges of climatic changes.
Yerevan - Headquartered in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, with a
concentration of resources and businesses, BSC has implemented over 340
projects in all major sectors, such as IT, banking and finance,
telecommunications, and more.
19. BSC Memberships
Armenian British
Business Chamber
(ABBC)
American Chamber of
Commerce in Armenia
(AmCham)
Union of Information
Technology Enterprises
(UITE)
United Nations
Global Compact
(UN GC)
Republican Union of
Employers of Armenia
(RUEA)
Institute of
Management Consulting of Armenia
(IMC Armenia)
Agricultural Alliance
of Armenia
(AA Armenia)
Chamber of Commerce and
Industry of the RA
(CCI RA)
