EXTENDED CALL for agri-food SMEs in the Republic of Moldova to access an Integrated Capacity Building and Investment Support Programme

The agri-food sector is an important pillar of the economy of the Republic of Moldova, yet it continues to face low productivity, limited processing capacity, and restricted access to competitive markets.

SMEs in the sector face a lack of managerial and technical capacities needed to leverage investments and increase the added value of their products.

The project “Sustainable Agri-Food Systems – Business”, funded by the European Union and implemented by Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova, addresses these challenges through an integrated approach that combines capacity development with investment grants to support competitiveness and integration into value chains.

General information about the call

The call is aimed at supporting agri-food SMEs through an integrated development programme that combines capacity building with investment support for business modernisation and increased competitiveness.

The programme will contribute to strengthening value chains by developing SMEs’ operational, financial, and managerial capacities, aligning them with international quality standards, and facilitating access to high value-added markets.

Priority will be given to initiatives focused on sustainable agriculture and climate-smart solutions, especially within seed-sector value chains. Particular attention will be paid to initiatives promoting the use of drought- and flood-resistant seed varieties developed and/or adapted to the eco-climatic conditions of the Republic of Moldova.

The programme is designed so that capacity building serves as the foundation for enterprise development, while investment support and technical assistance facilitate integration into value chains and long-term competitiveness growth.

The support provided under the programme is structured into five main components:

Component 1. Operations and Financial Management

Component 2. Investment Grants

Component 3. Certifications and Quality Standards

Component 4. Branding and Marketing

Component 5. Fairs, B2B and Market Access

Access to support will take place through a two-stage process:

Stage I – selection of up to 50 SMEs for capacity-building activities and business plan development (Component 1);

Stage II – selection of up to 30 SMEs from Stage I beneficiaries to receive investment grants and specialised support (Components 2–5), depending on their needs.

The grants finance investments in the modernisation of processing, packaging, storage, digitalisation, and operational efficiency capacities. The maximum grant amount is up to EUR 20,000 per project and is awarded to SMEs that complete Component 1 and meet the participation requirements.

The call is open to:

• Enterprises registered and operating in the Republic of Moldova in accordance with applicable national legislation;
• Enterprises operating in the agri-food sector and carrying out or planning activities related to processing, storage, sorting, or packaging exclusively for field crop seeds and derived products, including organic products, excluding fruits, vegetables, and melons. Priority will be given to initiatives promoting the use of drought- and flood-resistant seed varieties — such as maize, hemp, sorghum, and cover crops — adapted to the diverse eco-climatic conditions of the Republic of Moldova. Activities involving the processing of other plant parts, such as industrial hemp stalks, will also be considered;
• Enterprises classified as SMEs in accordance with Law No. 179 of 21.07.2016, as subsequently amended and supplemented, including Law No. 317 of 17.11.2022;
• Enterprises with at least 2 (two) years of activity;
• Enterprises with a clearly defined investment idea aimed at modernisation or increasing added value;
• Enterprises demonstrating interest and commitment to participate in all stages of the programme, including training activities, consultancy, and investment implementation.

To apply for this Call for Proposals, eligible entities must complete the electronic application form through the Jotform application: Application Form.

More information regarding the call, eligibility criteria, submission procedures, and evaluation process can be found in the Terms of Reference and its annexes.

Deadline for submission of applications: 11.05.2026, inclusive.

Should any questions or clarifications regarding the call arise, please send an email to: natalia.cretu@solidarityfund.pl (for questions related to Components 1, 3, 4 or 5 – SME capacity building) or vitalie.ababii@solidarityfund.pl (for questions related to Component 2 – investment grants), no later than 7 days before the application deadline. Answers will be published on the official SFPL Moldova webpage in the Q&A section 3 days before the submission deadline.