Academy Portfolio

Project Description

As a strategic partner of Impact Hub Armenia, Optimize Academy successfully designed and executed a targeted financial literacy training program for the portfolio companies of Via Fund. This academic initiative was established to address a critical capacity gap within social entrepreneurship organizations.

The customized training sessions empowered the portfolio companies to significantly increase their financial literacy knowledge and immediately adopt essential financial management skillset. By equipping these social enterprises with robust tools for financial planning, budgeting, and performance analysis, Optimize Academy directly enhanced their ability to manage resources effectively, ensuring greater stability and accelerating the fulfillment of their social mission. This partnership exemplifies Optimize Academy’s commitment to building sustainable capacity within the social innovation sector.

Program

Webinar
Business Simulation

Project Status

Concluded

Partners

Impact Hub Armenia

Location/ Year

Armenia
2025

Project Description

Optimize Academy led and implemented a significant training program in cooperation with the Jinishian Memorial Foundation as part of the broader Recovery, Resilience, Development for Syunik (R2D Syunik) project.

The overall objective of the R2D Syunik project, implemented within the Resilient Syunik Team Europe initiative and co-financed by the European Union and Austrian Development Agency (ADA), is to enhance the recovery and resilience of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and improve sustainable small-scale communal infrastructure in the Syunik region.

As a dedicated contribution to this strategic initiative, Optimize Academy delivered specialized training sessions focused on Business Model Canvas and Financial Modeling to micro-entrepreneurs. These high-impact workshops were conducted in the key regional towns of Kapan and Meghri, successfully working with over 50 entrepreneurs.

By equipping these local business owners with advanced financial planning and strategic business modeling tools, Optimize Academy directly supports the R2D Syunik project’s goal of fostering economic stability and long-term, sustainable growth within the region. This partnership underscores our commitment to capacity building in areas critical to Armenia’s territorial development.

Program

Webinar
Business simulation

Project Status

Concluded

Partners

Jinishian Memorial Foundation
European Union
Austrian Development Agency

Location/ Year

Armenia
2025

Project Description

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and ARFIN Universal Credit Organization (UCO) recently partnered to host a series of high-impact “Financial Literacy and Analysis” workshops for women entrepreneurs across Armenia. These sessions, conducted in Yerevan, Vanadzor, and Gyumri, were expertly led by Optimize Consulting’s CEO and Optimize Academy’s Co-founder, Hrayr Barsoumian.

Participants gained critical, practical insights essential for business stability and growth, focusing on financial literacy, robust budgeting, accurate forecasting, and strategic business development. Beyond the technical training, the workshops provided valuable networking opportunities, fostering a collaborative environment where women entrepreneurs could connect, share resources, and actively support each other’s professional growth. This initiative underscores the commitment of all partners to strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Armenia.

Program

Workshop

Project Status

Concluded

Partners

EBRD
ARFIN Universal Credit Organization (UCO)

Location/ Year

Armenia
2024

Project Description

In line with its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and its mission to share knowledge and expertise for the development of the homeland, Optimize Academy collaborated with Birthright Armenia. The academy hosted and trained 20 birthrigh volunteers participating in the Birthright Armenia program coming from different countries.

Optimize Consulting’s CEO, Hrayr Barsoumian, personally led an engaging and interactive workshop on crucial soft skills and adaptable leadership styles. This CSR initiative was strategically designed to equip the volunteers with a clearer understanding of their individual and team potential, reinforcing their professional toolkit and maximizing their valuable impact.

Program

Workshop

Project Status

Concluded

Partners

Birthright Armenia

Location/ Year

Armenia
2024

Project Description

From July 21 to 30 2025, Optimize Academy conducted a transformative intensive training titled “Financial Management: From Planning to Analysis.” This program was engineered to bridge the gap between complex data and confident leadership, turning financial metrics into a strategic compass for business growth.

The course brought together a diverse cohort of CEOs, NGO directors, and entrepreneurs, all seeking to move beyond basic oversight and toward total financial mastery.

Expert Guidance
The training was led by Hrayr Barsoumian, FRM, the Founder and CEO of Optimize Consulting and Co-Founder of Optimize Academy. Leveraging his extensive background as a Financial Risk Manager (FRM), Mr. Barsoumian provided participants with a sophisticated framework for managing capital, mitigating risk, and driving organizational value.

Scope of Training
The curriculum focused on the pillars of modern financial leadership, ensuring participants could translate numbers into actionable insights:
• The Managerial Mindset: Shifting from basic accounting to “Financial Thinking” as a core leadership competency.
• Strategic Reporting: Utilizing financial statements not just for compliance, but as the primary basis for executive decision-making.
• Analytical Excellence: Implementing advanced tools for deep-dive financial analysis to identify growth opportunities.
• Risk & Decision Governance: Mastering the art of informed decision-making and robust risk management to safeguard organizational assets.

The Impact
The program concluded with a clear shift in participant capability. By mastering the intersection of planning and analysis, the graduates achieved:
• Executive Confidence: The ability to lead their organization’s financial strategy with authority and precision.
• Operational Clarity: A heightened capacity to interpret financial health and forecast future performance.
• Risk Resilience: The skills necessary to navigate economic uncertainty through calculated, data-backed management.

Program

Masterclass

Project Status

Concluded

Location/ Year

Armenia
2025

Project Description

In an era defined by rapid digital transformation, Optimize Academy successfully launched its inaugural Artificial Intelligence Training Course, held from September 3 to 10 2025. This intensive program was specifically designed for the visionaries shaping our economy, CEOs, business leaders, NGO directors, and forward-thinking entrepreneurs.

The training served as a bridge between complex technology and practical business application, empowering participants to integrate AI into their long-term marketing strategies and operational workflows.

Expert Guidance
The program was led by Zaven Grigoryan. His expertise provided participants with a unique blend of technical depth and real-world business insight.

Scope of Training
The curriculum was meticulously crafted to move beyond theory, focusing on high-impact tools and methodologies:

LLM Foundations & Engineering: Mastering system-level prompting to unlock the full potential of Large Language Models.

Multimedia Content Innovation: Leveraging AI for the creation and “sales” of high-quality visual, audio, and presentation content.

Strategic Integration: Deep-dive sessions on knowledge fixation, workflow optimization, and daily “hacks” for executive productivity.

The Impact
By the conclusion of this three-day intensive training, our participants emerged not just as users of technology, but as AI-empowered leaders. The key outcomes included:

Technological Literacy: A fundamental, high-level understanding of the AI ecosystem.

Competitive Advantage: The ability to immediately apply AI tools to drive business growth and organizational efficiency.

Tool Mastery: Proficiency in the primary AI platforms currently reshaping the global marketing landscape.

Program

Masterclass

Project Status

Concluded

Location/ Year

Armenia
2025

Project Description

Optimize Consulting partnered with the Bridge to Armenia Foundation on the “Reviving Dreams” program, an initiative dedicated to supporting displaced Artsakh youth by facilitating the implementation of their business ideas.

Optimize’s Contribution:

Over the course of the approximately one-month program, Optimize organized and delivered comprehensive training courses for more than 50 participants. Key topics included:

Financial Planning delivered by Hrayr Barsoumian

Business Model CANVAS by Silva Mesropyan

Fundraising and Developing a Competitive Grant Program by Irina Pahlevanyan

Participants applied the knowledge gained to refine their initial concepts into viable business programs.

Outcome & Impact:

Following the training, 12 participants were selected for the second stage to present their finalized business plans to a jury. Ultimately, 7 participants were selected as winners and were successfully awarded grants to launch their ventures. This initiative powerfully underscores the commitment of all partners to strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Armenia and supporting those most in need.

Program

Workshop

Project Status

Concluded

Partners

Bridge to Armenia Foundation

Location/ Year

Armenia
2024

Project Description

Between October 29 and November 3, Optimize Academy delivered its high-impact intensive training, “From Idea to Funding: How to Write a Competitive Grant Application.” This program was designed for organizations and visionaries who seek to transform ambitious concepts into fully funded realities through technical precision and persuasive storytelling.

The training focused on the high-stakes environment of international and local grants, providing participants with a rigorous roadmap to navigate the complexities of modern fundraising.

Expert Guidance

The course was led by Irina Pahlevanyan, a leading expert with over 15 years of experience in the field. As an Internationally Certified Management Consultant (CMC) with a Master’s degree in Fundraising, Mrs. Pahlevanyan provided participants with an insider’s perspective on what donors look for and how to satisfy the most demanding institutional requirements.

Scope of Training

The curriculum was a comprehensive deep-dive into the technical and strategic architecture of a winning proposal:

• Strategic Frameworks: Mastering the Logical Framework (LogFrame) and Gantt Charts to ensure structural integrity.
• Objective Design: Developing “Reasonable Objectives” and ensuring the absolute measurability of results.
• Financial & Risk Architecture: Crafting effective, transparent budgets and performing robust risk assessment and mitigation.
• The Evaluator’s Perspective: Analyzing successful case studies, understanding writing best practices, and learning how to avoid the “hidden” mistakes that lead to rejection.
• Monitoring & Impact: Building a narrative around Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) to demonstrate long-term project sustainability.

The Impact

Participants did not merely leave with theoretical knowledge; they exited the program with tangible assets and professional backing:

• Ready-to-Submit Proposals: Each participant developed their own competitive grant application during the course.
• Professional Validation: Access to expert mentoring, including a professional assessment and detailed critique of their applications to identify specific areas for improvement.
• Specialized Toolkit: Exclusive access to the resources and templates used by top-tier consultants to streamline the application process.

Program

Masterclass

Project Status

Concluded

Location/ Year

Armenia
2025

Project Description

On May 3rd, Optimize Academy hosted an exclusive masterclass focused on the science of Personality Dimensions Assessment. In today’s complex work environments, understanding the human element is the ultimate competitive advantage. This session provided leaders and professionals with a sophisticated framework to decode behaviors, optimize team synergy, and foster a culture of high-level emotional intelligence.

The masterclass served as a deep dive into self-awareness and interpersonal strategy, transforming how participants approach communication and professional relationships.

Expert Guidance

The session was facilitated by Tamar Harboyan, a seasoned expert in behavioral dynamics with over 20 years of experience. Tamar is a Certified Life Coach and a specialized Consulting Management Moderator. With a background as a Child Protection Officer specializing in mental health and personal development, she brings a profound, empathetic, and highly analytical approach to human interaction and psychological safety.

Scope of Training

The curriculum was designed to bridge the gap between psychological theory and practical workplace application:

• The Spectrum of Personality: Gaining practical mastery over personality archetypes and their direct impact on professional behavior and decision-making.
• Internal Audit: Identifying individual strengths and pinpointing current challenges to refine personal leadership styles.
• Strategic Communication: Developing advanced skills to adapt communication styles across diverse perspectives, ensuring clarity and influence.
• Optimizing Team Synergy: Understanding the interplay of different personality “colors” to minimize friction, enhance collaboration, and drive organizational efficiency.

The Impact

Participants walked away with more than just a profile; they gained a new lens through which to view their professional world. Key outcomes included:

• Enhanced Self-Mastery: A comprehensive understanding of their own personality dimensions, allowing for more intentional leadership.
• Cognitive Empathy: The ability to recognize and value the diverse strengths of colleagues, leading to a reduction in workplace misunderstandings.
• Communication Agility: Improved interpersonal skills that foster stronger, more resilient professional relationships and higher team morale.

Program

Masterclass

Project Status

Concluded

Location/ Year

Armenia
2025

Project Description

Optimize Academy partnered with the “Arvestaran” NGO to conduct a targeted one-month course aimed at significantly increasing the effectiveness of the NGO’s work.

Scope of Training:

The comprehensive curriculum was designed with a practical focus on the NGO’s current and upcoming programs. Key objectives included developing project management skills, improving process organization, and ensuring more efficient resource management.

The training covered critical areas, including:

Project Management Fundamentals and Workflow Optimization.

Risk Management and Monitoring & Assessment tools.

Effective Communication, Stakeholder Engagement, and Conflict Management.

Expert Facilitation:

The course benefited from the expertise of multiple leaders:

Hrayr Barsoumian, certified financial risk manager, (CEO, Optimize Consulting): Shared extensive professional experience, focusing on deepening skills in risk management, control, and assessment.

Mrs. Tatyana Markaryan (Deputy CEO, Optimize Consulting): Led the corporate training debut with sessions on workflow optimization and resource planning.

Astghine Khachatryan (Executive Director, “Let’s Talk” Psychological Center): Introduced participants to crucial effective communication, stakeholder engagement, and conflict management tools.

Outcome:

The skills acquired will enable participants to conduct constructive dialogue, successfully engage different stakeholders, and effectively prevent and resolve disagreements, contributing directly to more efficient cooperation and program execution within “Arvestaran” NGO.

Program

Corporate Trainings

Project Status

Concluded

Location/ Year

Armenia
2025

Project Description

Between February 28 and March 5, Optimize Academy delivered its intensive, high-impact training program, “From Idea to Funding: How to Write a Competitive Grant Application.” The program was tailored for organizations and changemakers aiming to turn ambitious ideas into fundable, well-structured projects through technical rigor and compelling storytelling.

The training addressed the high-pressure landscape of international and local grant competitions, equipping participants with a clear, practical roadmap to navigate the complexities of modern fundraising.

Expert Guidance

The course was led by Irina Pahlevanyan, a seasoned professional with more than 15 years of experience in fundraising and grant management. As an Internationally Certified Management Consultant (CMC) and a holder of a Master’s degree in Fundraising, Ms. Pahlevanyan shared valuable insider insights into donor expectations and the standards required by the most demanding funding institutions.

Scope of the Training

The curriculum offered an in-depth exploration of the technical and strategic foundations of a successful grant proposal, including:

• Strategic Frameworks: Applying the Logical Framework (LogFrame) and Gantt Charts to ensure clarity, coherence, and structural soundness.
• Objective Design: Formulating realistic, results-oriented objectives with a strong emphasis on measurability.
• Financial & Risk Architecture: Developing transparent, well-justified budgets and conducting effective risk assessment and mitigation.
• The Evaluator’s Perspective: Reviewing successful case studies, mastering proposal-writing best practices, and identifying common yet often overlooked reasons for rejection.
• Monitoring & Impact: Structuring Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) narratives to demonstrate impact, accountability, and long-term sustainability.

The Impact

The program went beyond theory, delivering concrete outcomes and professional value to participants:

• Ready-to-Submit Proposals: Each participant drafted a complete, competitive grant application during the training.
• Professional Validation: Participants received expert mentoring, including detailed feedback and professional assessment to pinpoint strengths and areas for improvement.
• Specialized Toolkit: Exclusive access to practical tools, templates, and resources used by leading consultants to optimize and streamline the grant application process.

Program

Masterclass

Project Status

Concluded

Location/ Year

Armenia
2025

Project Description

Under the ambitious framework of the “EU4Environment: Green community-resilient future” project, Optimize Academy was appointed as the lead module architect and training provider. In a high-level collaboration with the Armenia Tree Project (ATP), the Armenian Energy Agency, and the Jinishian Memorial Foundation, we developed a comprehensive educational roadmap designed to fortify community resilience in the Lori, Shirak, and Tavush regions.

Leveraging a consortium of premier industry experts, Optimize Academy transformed complex environmental directives into a practical Green Governance Model for regional leaders and stakeholders.

A Multidisciplinary Expert Consortium

The program was delivered through a series of intensive specialized modules, led by a faculty of distinguished subject matter experts:

• Management of natural resources on 11.04.23 by Hayk Igityan
• Basic Introduction to Green Transport on 14.04.23 by Anahit Manasyan
• Waste Management on 18.04.23 by Shushanik Babayan
• Public and Private Partnership Development on 21.04.23 by Anahit Manasyan
• Care and Management of Greened Areas on 25.04.23 by Zarine Tarkhanyan
• Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy on 28.04.23 by Njdeh Andriazian
• Environmental Education and Awareness Raising on 02.05.23 by Zarine Tarkhanyan
• Electronic Management on 05.05.23 by Njdeh Andriazian
• Sustainable Management of Finances and Fundraising on 10.05.23 by Hrayr Barsoumian
• Monitoring of the Projects on 12.05.23 by David Iskandaryan

Building on the success of the initial Yerevan-based sessions, the program continued through follow-on trainings and from January 18 to January 22 2024, the Academy conducted a series of advanced masterclasses in Yerevan, focusing on critical pillars of community resilience:

• Waste Circularity: Advanced sorting and management strategies led by Shushanik Babayan.
• Financial Sustainability: Creating competitive grant programs to secure regional funding, led by Irina Pahlevanyan.
• Governance Synergy: Maximizing Public-Private Partnerships for infrastructure development, led by Hrayr Barsoumian.

The Impact

Through this project, Optimize Academy successfully:

• Standardized Green Governance: Created a unified educational framework for environmental management across three key Armenian regions.
• Empowered Regional Leaders: Provided the technical and financial toolkits necessary for local authorities to implement sustainable “Green” policies.
• Facilitated Public-Private Dialogue: Bridged the gap between environmental necessity and economic feasibility through the PPP and sustainable finance modules.

Program

Masterclass
Workshop

Project Status

Concluded

Partners

Armenia Tree Project
Armenian Energy Agency
Jinishian Memorial Foundation

Location/ Year

Armenia
2023-2024