USAID Digital Development
ESP (31)
In an effort to align with the USAID Digital Strategy and recognize USAID Missions, Bureaus and partners that are empowering countries in a digital age, USAID launched the 2022 Digital Development Awards (the Digis), the fourth round of these awards. The Digis recognize and celebrate USAID-funded projects and activities that use digital technology to sustain open, secure, and inclusive digital ecosystems in order to improve measurable development and humanitarian-assistance outcomes. After receiving nearly 200 applications from USAID Missions around the world, five winners were selected for the 2022 Digital Development Awards, including USAID/Georgia: Economic Security Program, implemented by DAI.
Georgia is transforming from a goods-based economy to one based on knowledge and innovation. However, the country lacks the regulatory framework and capital investment needed to support rapid, responsive, and equitable digitalization. The USAID/Georgia Economic Security Program (ESP) combines small-business support with on-the-job training and skill-based certification. The program includes a number of training and support opportunities, including on-the-job training and skill-based certification, investment opportunities for Georgian startups, and the Grace Hopper ICT Award to highlight the best and brightest in Georgia’s technology industry.
Additionally, the program's ecosystem approach went beyond addressing workforce and skills development by strengthening market linkages for SMEs. Through efforts to bolster the creative sector, the Georgia Economic Security Program also introduced more than 120 Georgian artisans to global e-commerce via Etsy.
Inspired by local wildlife, Tatia and Toma, two artisans that have benefited from the program’s support, create handmade objects and accessories in their craft studio in Tbilisi. With the support of ESP and Etsy staff, they have been able to upgrade their Etsy store by familiarizing themselves with the use of the marketing and sales functionality provided through Etsy. With their increase in sales, Tatia and Toma have been able to purchase new equipment, refine their artistic skills, and grow their business.
They share, “Now we are much more confident in our decisions. Our future development seems more promising to us, and we have already imagined and outlined a plan for our future business development.”
Private sector engagement has helped drive sustainable business growth for SMEs through the development of individually owned and operated e-commerce sites—in addition to e-sites on Etsy for artisans, which were majority female-owned and operated. The program’s ecosystem development approach places market actors and other value chain stakeholders at the center of the change process and invites them to define problems and co-create solutions, resulting in the long-lasting, sustainable application of Georgia’s intellectual capital.
Photo Credit: Beso Gulashvili for USAID
ESP (31)
In an effort to align with the USAID Digital Strategy and recognize USAID Missions, Bureaus and partners that are empowering countries in a digital age, USAID launched the 2022 Digital Development Awards (the Digis), the fourth round of these awards. The Digis recognize and celebrate USAID-funded projects and activities that use digital technology to sustain open, secure, and inclusive digital ecosystems in order to improve measurable development and humanitarian-assistance outcomes. After receiving nearly 200 applications from USAID Missions around the world, five winners were selected for the 2022 Digital Development Awards, including USAID/Georgia: Economic Security Program, implemented by DAI.
Georgia is transforming from a goods-based economy to one based on knowledge and innovation. However, the country lacks the regulatory framework and capital investment needed to support rapid, responsive, and equitable digitalization. The USAID/Georgia Economic Security Program (ESP) combines small-business support with on-the-job training and skill-based certification. The program includes a number of training and support opportunities, including on-the-job training and skill-based certification, investment opportunities for Georgian startups, and the Grace Hopper ICT Award to highlight the best and brightest in Georgia’s technology industry.
Additionally, the program's ecosystem approach went beyond addressing workforce and skills development by strengthening market linkages for SMEs. Through efforts to bolster the creative sector, the Georgia Economic Security Program also introduced more than 120 Georgian artisans to global e-commerce via Etsy.
Inspired by local wildlife, Tatia and Toma, two artisans that have benefited from the program’s support, create handmade objects and accessories in their craft studio in Tbilisi. With the support of ESP and Etsy staff, they have been able to upgrade their Etsy store by familiarizing themselves with the use of the marketing and sales functionality provided through Etsy. With their increase in sales, Tatia and Toma have been able to purchase new equipment, refine their artistic skills, and grow their business.
They share, “Now we are much more confident in our decisions. Our future development seems more promising to us, and we have already imagined and outlined a plan for our future business development.”
Private sector engagement has helped drive sustainable business growth for SMEs through the development of individually owned and operated e-commerce sites—in addition to e-sites on Etsy for artisans, which were majority female-owned and operated. The program’s ecosystem development approach places market actors and other value chain stakeholders at the center of the change process and invites them to define problems and co-create solutions, resulting in the long-lasting, sustainable application of Georgia’s intellectual capital.
Photo Credit: Beso Gulashvili for USAID