The Government, the EU, and the World Bank Group invest in Moldovan entrepreneurship
A total of 66 companies from the Republic of Moldova have received grants amounting to 24.7 million MDL, support that will stimulate nearly 44 million MDL in investments in the national economy. The funds are accessed through several grant programs managed by the Organization for Entrepreneurship Development (ODA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization and will be used for purchasing modern equipment and streamlining production processes.
The support is provided by the Government of the Republic of Moldova, which contributes 7.77 million MDL for 26 companies, and by the European Union, which supports 20 companies with 4.2 million MDL through the project “European Union for Small and Medium Enterprises”.
In addition, 20 companies benefit from grants worth 12.74 million MDL through the Competitiveness Enhancement and Value Chain Integration Program, funded by the Government and the World Bank Group, and implemented by ODA and the World Bank Project Implementation Unit for Competitiveness Enhancement (UIPAC).
Currently, these companies employ over 1,267 people, and with the help of the grants, at least 478 new jobs will be created.
This financial support translates into stronger businesses, better-paid jobs, and more robust economic prospects for communities across the country.
During the event, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development and Digitalization, Doina Nistor, stated:
“The Government is building an economic model based on added value, technology, and innovation. A model in which companies grow through smart investments: in high-performance equipment, in digitalization, in productivity-enhancing solutions. The grants awarded today support this vision and represent our way of telling entrepreneurs: we are here, we believe in you, and we want you to succeed. Because when you support a business, you are actually creating jobs, keeping families at home, and breathing life into communities. And for us, that is the best investment.”
Adam Grodzicki, Deputy Head of the Cooperation Section of the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova, added: “The prospect of Moldova’s accession to the European Union and integration into the Single Market can be a real game-changer, bringing lasting benefits to the country’s economy and society. Participation in flagship EU programs – such as the Single Market Programme, Digital Europe, and Horizon Europe – will not only strengthen Moldova’s integration into the European business and innovation ecosystem, but will also boost competitiveness, stimulate innovation, and create new employment opportunities for Moldovan citizens.”
Aureliu Casian, Executive Director of the World Bank Project Implementation Unit for Competitiveness Enhancement (UIPAC), emphasized: “The World Bank Group has continuously supported the Government’s efforts to develop the private sector and create a predictable and enabling business environment. The SME Competitiveness Project continues our long-standing cooperation with Moldovan authorities on improving access to finance and export competitiveness over the past five years.
We support businesses that produce and demonstrate healthy competition, including on foreign markets. Through investments supported by the World Bank Group under the Competitiveness Enhancement and Value Chain Integration Program, Moldovan businesses are becoming more efficient, better equipped, and better prepared to export. Real economic development starts when our products become relevant and competitive beyond our borders.”
Speaking about the path of local entrepreneurs and efforts to support them, Nina Potînga, Deputy Director of ODA, highlighted the institution’s commitment to turning bold ideas into sustainable economic realities: “Every entrepreneur who works hard, innovates, and invests in their business contributes to a stronger economy. Through the grants we manage, the Government and development partners support destinies. We support people who create jobs, give meaning to communities, and turn ambitious ideas into real projects. We believe in entrepreneurs as the most genuine engine of development, and we will continue to be their trusted partner.”
Since the beginning of the year, 471 companies have received grants through the Organization for Entrepreneurship Development, amounting to a total of 194 million MDL. This support has generated planned investments of over 383 million MDL in the national economy.
Of the total beneficiaries, 293 companies were funded from the state budget, 147 received support from the European Union through the “European Union for Small and Medium Enterprises” project, and 24 companies were supported through the program funded by the Government and the World Bank Group. Additionally, seven companies benefit from support under the “EU4Moldova: Local Communities” program, funded by the European Union, the Governments of Germany, Austria, and Poland, and implemented by GIZ, ADA, and SFPL in Moldova.
