APM Terminals Poti

APM Terminals Poti's corporate sustainability strategy is based on the four UN Sustainable Development Goals, including: hunger eradication, quality education and gender equality. The project “APM Terminal for Poti” was created precisely for the implementation of the aforementioned goals.

The project aims at improving the economic situation in Poti by supporting small businesses. The program provides an opportunity for novice and experienced entrepreneurs (priority was given to women, IDPs and young people) to obtain targeted co-financing (no more than GEL 4,000) through a competition and improve their business skills. The project is fully financed by APM Terminals Poti (JSC Corporation Poti Marine Dock).

This initiative of APM Terminals Poti was the first to give local residents the opportunity to develop their own businesses on the spot, gain more knowledge on business management issues as a result of trainings and, most importantly, show interest in the development of the local community.

The program started in 2021 and ended in February 2023. In total, the company allocated GEL 800,000 for the project.

Within the framework of the project, new jobs were created and access to desired products and services was improved for the population of Poti as a result of the financed businesses. The main results of the project are:

1) Funded businesses: 85

2) New jobs created by funded businesses: 59

3) Investments made from the profits after financing the businesses: GEL 67,220

4) Investments made from other sources after financing the businesses: GEL 292,200

5) All funded businesses have carried out at least one marketing activity (named the business, created a logo, developed a promotional banner...).

6) Beneficiaries gained skills in project proposal writing (participation in projects): 16 businesses took part in other projects after receiving our funding. 

7) Priority groups of the project (women, IDPs, youth, social aid recipients) amounted to 47%.

8) Out of funded businesses: 60% were existing businesses and 40 were start-ups.

9) Those shortlisted for business ideas (151 persons) were trained in business plan development.

10) All program beneficiaries received trainings in: Financial Journal & Declarations, Cost Accounting, Branding & Marketing, Social Media & E-Commerce, Sales & Business Communication.

11) In total, 92 people received individual consultations in: food safety, occupational safety, agronomy, marketing and sales.

It is our mission to be a reliable and responsible partner for the local community and our stakeholders. Active corporate citizenship is a great honor and responsibility shared by each member of our team. We are well aware that we need to create an environment that benefits both the company and the community. This win-win approach is the key to success when it comes to responsible business practices.

Julian Fernandez, General Director