The Government and the European Union grant 12,2 million lei in non-reimbursable funding to 45 more companies in Moldova

The Government of the Republic of Moldova and the European Union continue to support local entrepreneurs through the Organization for Entrepreneurship Development. Today, 45 grant beneficiaries were announced, with a total value of 12,2 million lei, raising the overall investment in the economy to over 22 million lei.

Of these, 24 companies will receive funding from the European Union, totaling nearly 5,5 million lei, while the Government of the Republic of Moldova will financially support another 21 companies with a total of 6,7 million lei.

At the event announcing the beneficiaries, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development and Digitalization, Dumitru Alaiba, stated: “We congratulate another 45 entrepreneurs who have successfully accessed funding to grow and realize their dreams. The Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization continues to prioritize support for the business environment. Entrepreneurs are the ones who believe in our country and act as champions of reforms and European integration. They have seamlessly integrated digitalization into their businesses, making them competitive and valuable. I am confident that any company, with state support, can grow and succeed by creating well-paid jobs, helping the community, and developing the country’s economy.”

„The support to entrepreneurship and sustainable SMEs development has a central place in our partnership with the Republic of Moldova. We are glad to acknowledge the constant increase of the number of quality applications for the national SME programmes supported by EU and the growing number of business companies benefitting of these programmes. EU will continue to support SMEs as a key driving force for a stronger economy of Moldova, which is an important pillar of the newly proposed EU-Moldova Growth Plan facility,” stated Adam Grodzicki, Deputy Head of Cooperation, Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova.

Vadim Codreanu, Director of the Organization for Entrepreneurship Development, added: “Only through consistent support and smart investments can we turn entrepreneurial initiatives into successful businesses that redefine the future of the Republic of Moldova. Grant programs, as well as the Governmental 373 Program, are strategic pillars enabling local companies to access funds for modernisation, expansion, and integration into international value chains. Entrepreneurs must innovate, improve production processes, and expand their capabilities.”

The grants are distributed through various programs managed by ODA, including the Women’s Entrepreneurship Support Program, START for Youth Program, PARE 1+2 Program, SME Digital Transformation Program, and the SME Greening Program.

The largest investments are allocated to the industrial sector, with approximately 50% of the beneficiaries coming from this field. Another 30% of entrepreneurs will invest in acquiring technical resources for developing the services sector, such as professional, scientific, technical activities, accommodation, public catering, and education. Approximately 20% of the beneficiaries operate in the agricultural sector, directing funds toward business modernization and greening.

Throughout this year, the Organization for Entrepreneurship Development facilitated 523 companies in accessing grants worth over 208 million lei. Of this amount, nearly 149 million lei came from the state budget, while 45 million lei were provided by the European Union through the “EU for SMEs” project. The total value of investments in the economy reached 443 million lei.

Additionally, the World Bank, through the Export Competitiveness and SME Internationalization Program, supported 18 companies with funds totaling 6.4 million lei.

Furthermore, through the Digital Innovations and Tech Startups Support Program, 20 companies benefited from non-reimbursable grants totaling 8.5 million lei, with financial support from the Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund in partnership with the USAID, Sweden, and UK-funded “Future Technologies” project.