31th meeting Arak hamyar

Meeting Minutes – Group Supporting Entrepreneurship in ArakHamyar

Date: October 13, 2025
Location: Telegram
Time: 20:00 EST
Participants:

Mr. Masoud reported that he has transferred $1300 USD (~104 million IRR) to Iran with the help of Mr. Meshidi.
The funds are intended to support the equipment and setup of a tailoring workshop, which will be managed by a charitable woman leading a team of 5 individuals in need.
The funds were transferred on Saturday at a rate of 80,000 IRR/USD.
A detailed invoice (ranging from 101 to 114 million IRR) will be shared in the group.

It was agreed that a new volunteer will be selected for next month’s financial contribution.
Until that volunteer is confirmed, members are asked to hold off on sending additional funds.

Members were encouraged to invite new individuals who are interested in supporting entrepreneurship in Arak and the broader Markazi province.
An official guideline for new members will be published on the group website soon.
A suggestion was made to assign specific tasks to current members to help bring in committed individuals.
It was emphasized that existing members should not be removed during this growth phase.

Mr. Mohammad presented three ongoing or proposed projects:
1. A rural retail store
2. Equipping a computer science student
3. A carpet weaving workshop
Mr. Touraj Dadgar inquired whether the tailoring workshop products are being sold.
- Masoud responded that they are taking customer orders locally and plan to expand into small-scale production.
Mr. Abbasi added that this is the second project the group is doing with this specific charitable woman, again with the support of Mr. Meshidi.

A preliminary discussion was held about launching a solar power plant project.
The idea is still in early stages and requires further research and evaluation.
Concerns were raised regarding the dependencies and variables affecting its success.

Mr. Masoud mentioned the possibility of launching AI-focused training programs, with an aim to build capacity within 6 to 9 months, particularly for skilled graduates, including one honors graduate from Arak.
Mr. Mohammad emphasized the need to equip university students, and discussed having a Plan B for the group after 2.5 years of activity.
Mr. Sahand noted he has contacts in Arak and Mahallat that can help identify potential entrepreneurship candidates.
- He expressed willingness to contribute more in the first phase, given time.

Dr. Hosseinnejad proposed launching a poll in the group to gather input and suggested recruiting new members.
- He also mentioned he had missed two previous meetings and is catching up.
- Suggested that an official code of conduct be created for new members.
Mr. Abbasi mentioned that his daughter’s relatives in Montreal may have useful connections.
- He also noted that the project aligns well with the group’s mission and should be pursued further if it proves beneficial for the 5 families involved.
Mr. Touraj Abbasi shared a relevant quote:
“Think globally, act locally.”
He also noted that machining and mechanical trades may provide even higher returns.

Proceed with supporting the tailoring workshop, with invoices and reporting to be shared within two weeks
Postpone further expenditures on new projects until additional evaluation is done
Focus on recruiting new members aligned with the mission of supporting sustainable local entrepreneurship
Share an official charter for new members on the group’s website
Assign tasks to existing members for outreach and expansion
Continue research into potential AI training and solar energy initiatives

Meeting adjourned at: [Insert time if known]
Minutes prepared by: [Your Name or Role]
Date of Documentation: October 13, 2025