Civil society, a driving force in the development of the inclusive and sustainable economy

In May, when the entire European continent celebrates peace, unity and the unique model of social market economy, the closing event of the “Civil society contributes to the inclusive and sustainable economic development of the country” project, supported and financed by the European Union and co-financed by Sweden, took place on May 16. The event presented success stories, transformative destinies and consolidated efforts that prove that social entrepreneurship is becoming a dimension of democracy, and the regions of the Republic of Moldova can export stability.

The results of the project were reiterated through the speeches of the officials who joined the event and of the beneficiaries who gathered from different regions of the country. The officials emphasised that: “An economic development of the Republic of Moldova is possible through the active involvement of civil society and other interested parties, taking into consideration the provisions of the Association Agreement with the European Union, which includes the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area. The crises demonstrated that a sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem is necessary.”

The five components: social entrepreneurship, business support centers, consortia, entrepreneurship funds for young people and platforms that do advocacy for the development of the business environment were presented through direct examples of founders and beneficiaries. Within the 3 discussion panels, the final beneficiaries of the project discussed and emphasized the support and contribution of the program for the enterprise and the community of which they are a part.

The representatives of small and medium-sized enterprises, vulnerable employed people and young NEETs also emphasized the fact that the tools acquired thanks to this project will help them become more sustainable for future economic realities.

During the three years of activity were created and developed 6 business support centers, 15 social enterprises, 10 consortia that facilitated the inclusive employment of vulnerable groups, 10 entrepreneurship funds for young people and 3 lobby and advocacy platforms.

The equivalent results in digits would be the following: 64 people from various disadvantaged categories were employed in social enterprises; 208 vulnerable people were assisted and employed as a result of consortia assistance; 101 grants were given to young NEETs to start or expand their business, 16 of which are people with disabilities. Also, more than 1000 entrepreneurs were consulted and guided for business development.

It is important to mention that the implementation of the project “Civil society contributes to the inclusive and sustainable economic development of the country” was possible thanks to the financial support of the European Union and Sweden co-financing.

The East European Foundation in partnership with the European Business Association and the Contact Center were the ones who implemented the project. Its basic objective is the economic development of the Republic of Moldova through the active involvement of civil society and other interested parties, taking into consideration the provisions of the Association Agreement with the European Union, which includes the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area.