Investing in Equality: The Impact of EU Funding on Women-Led Start-ups

A woman’s independence begins with a shift in mindset. It starts when she no longer sees herself only as a mother, wife or daughter, but as someone capable of building something of her own. It is that moment of courage when the desire for financial independence becomes stronger than the fear of failure.

In Moldova, more and more women are choosing not to wait for help, but to create their own businesses and take control of their lives.

From a mother’s care to the pride of independence: “Flavorya”

For Valentina Buhna from Nisporeni, maternity leave became the moment she decided to become an example of independence. Dissatisfied with the sweets available in shops, she began preparing natural fruit snacks in her own kitchen.

What started as a household solution quickly turned into a business — Flavorya.

Valentina realised she could turn her passion into a source of income while also creating a market for local farmers’ produce. Her products have reached international fairs and markets in Riga, Vienna and Geneva, opening the door to exports.

“I wanted to create something simple and healthy, but also prove that I could build a business from scratch,” she says.

Today, Flavorya is no longer just a family project. It is the business that gives Valentina control over her own future.

Tradition as a business: “Mioara Sudului”

In the south, in the village of Slobozia Mare, Domnica Căpățînă decided that rural work should not only be a means of survival, but also a source of economic pride.

Driven by the desire for independence, she founded her own business, “Mioara Sudului”, turning milk processing into a modern artisanal industry.

Today, under her leadership, more than 1,000 litres of sheep’s milk are transformed into artisanal cheese every week.

Domnica did not simply create a brand — she became the driving force behind the “Bacii Sudului” cluster, bringing together local producers to ensure a stable regional market.

Her vision has changed the face of the village: the workshop now uses modern equipment, and her products have become part of tourist routes in the Prut Meadow area.

“I wanted to show that we can live well from our work here at home, if we unite and do things wisely,” says Domnica.

Beauty and dignity in Cotiujenii Mari: “Camila Service”

In Cotiujenii Mari, Șoldănești district, Ana Camila realised that a hair salon is more than just a place for haircuts — it is a space where she exercises her freedom and talent.

Through “Camila Service”, Ana built her own business, proving that a woman can succeed even in a small village if she has the courage to start out on her own.

Financial independence has given her the freedom to decide how to use her time. She has therefore turned her profession into a social mission: carrying her kit with her, Ana regularly visits elderly people in the village who can no longer travel, offering her services free of charge.

“I wanted to have my own place to work, but also to help people in the village who no longer have anyone to rely on,” she says.

The craft that brings life to the community: “StyleAna”

Ana Topor turned sewing from a simple passion into a business that carries her name and secures her future.

In Sîngera, Chișinău municipality, the “StyleAna” workshop has become the place where she not only repairs clothes, but also builds her own independence every day.

Ana has shown that a craft learned with patience can become a stable source of income and a platform for educating others.

Beyond the sewing machine, she has chosen to become a mentor for local children, inviting them into her workshop to discover the art of tailoring and offering a creative alternative to time spent on mobile phones.

“It is a great pride to see clothes come out of my hands as good as new and to teach children to value manual work,” she says.

Who provided the support?

Major changes always need a starting point.

All these businesses were supported by the European Union through the EU4Youth – Employment and Entrepreneurship among Youth programme, part of the regional project “SKYE Net.” In the Republic of Moldova, the project is implemented by the MilleniuM Training and Development Institute.