The Government and the European Union award MDL 14 million in grants to another 43 companies in Moldova

The Government of the Republic of Moldova and the European Union support local entrepreneurs through the Organization for Entrepreneurship Development. Today, 43 grant beneficiaries were selected, totalling approximately MDL 14 million, which brings the total investment in the economy to over MDL 25 million.

Of these, 27 companies will receive funding from the European Union, amounting to nearly MDL 7 million. The Government of the Republic of Moldova will financially support an additional 16 companies, with a total amount of MDL 7 million.

During the beneficiary announcement event, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development and Digitalization, Dumitru Alaiba, stated, “To build a prosperous economy, it is essential for entrepreneurs to benefit from favorable conditions for development. The bold reforms we have implemented thus far are proof of this commitment – to create a more business-friendly environment. We have removed bureaucratic barriers, provided access to funding, digitized numerous public services for entrepreneurs, and opened new markets. We remain committed to supporting you and assure you that you have our full support. Congratulations on your achievements thus far and for your valuable contribution to the European path of the Republic of Moldova!”

“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. Due to the new EU-Moldova Growth Plan, by 2027 over 5,000 new business, including small family ones will be created and other 25,000 existing companies will be supported.” declared 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:

 “The consistent support from the European Union and the Government of the Republic of Moldova enables our entrepreneurs to access essential financial resources for process modernization, adopting innovative technologies, and expanding production capacities. These investments are fundamental for enhancing competitiveness in the domestic market and, simultaneously, for integrating local businesses into regional and international value chains.”

The grants are distributed through a series of programs managed by ODA, including the Women Entrepreneurship Support Program, the START for Youth Program, the “PARE 1+2” Program, the Digital Transformation of SMEs Program, and the Greening Program for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises.

The largest investments are allocated to the industrial sector, with approximately 50% of beneficiaries from this area. Another 30% of entrepreneurs will invest in acquiring technical equipment for developing the services sector, such as professional, scientific, technical, accommodation, food services, and education. Approximately 20% of beneficiaries operate in the agricultural sector, where they will direct funds toward re-technology and greening their businesses.

Throughout this year, the Organization for Entrepreneurship Development has facilitated 479 companies in accessing grants totalling over MDL 197 million. Of this sum, nearly MDL 143 million came from the state budget, while 40 million lei were provided by the European Union through the “EU for SMEs” project.

Additionally, the World Bank, through the SME Export Competitiveness and Internationalisation Program, supported 18 companies with MDL 6.4 million in funding.

Through the Digital Innovation and Tech Startup Support Program, 20 companies also benefited from grants totalling 8.5 million lei, financially supported by the Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund in partnership with the “Future Technologies” project funded by USAID, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.