Press releases

15 March 2024 – The event to launch the Women Support Programme: Opportunities for development through grants from European funds took place today in the Bardar Sate. This programme, funded by the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the European Union, is accessible to female entrepreneurs across the country. To this end, last year a grant contract with the European Union financing support programmes ODAfor a total amount of EUR 8 million over a period of three years. Out of this contribution, some EUR 720.000 are dedicated to the Women’s Support Programme.

Thus, female entrepreneurs are encouraged to develop their business and those at the start of business start-up- to start up business.

The programme provides both financial and technical support, for the growth and sustainability of businesses managed by women in the Republic of Moldova. At the same time, the Government aims to develop the managerial skills of entrepreneurs by facilitating access to information, training, consultancy and mentoring.

At the beginning of the event, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Economic Development and Digitalisation stressed that by supporting women in business, the Government is committed to contributing to building a fairer society and promoting sustainable economic growth.

“The entrepreneurial spirit of women in the Republic of Moldova is stronger than ever in all spheres at all levels. We, the Government, support women in business through all the mechanisms at our disposal and we are working to offer them equal opportunities. We are accompanied by each entrepreneur to reach its full potential," said Dumitru Alaiba Vice-President.

EU Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, Jānis Mažeiks noted that the European Union, through its support, aims both to increase women’s participation in business and to ensure access to equal opportunities.

“Encouraging women’s entrepreneurship stimulates diversity and innovation, leading to a more dynamic and competitive economy. But gender differences still exist. And these gaps are costly, as opportunities for businesses individually and the economy as a whole are lost. For this reason, gender equality and the economic empowerment of women are a major political priority of the European Union. It is a cornerstone of the support provided to Moldova on its path to a prosperous economy," said ambassador of the European Union in Moldova.

Interim Director ODA, Gheorghe Iudin mentioned both the practical value of the Programme and the symbolic value in terms of its launch.

“Programmes initiated by the Government, with the support of the European Union, are an open to new business opportunities. With women’s recent celebration, this event is becoming symbolic, bringing both the prospect of economic progress and the opportunity to celebrate women’s contribution to the prosperity and diversification of our community. It is a good moment for change and advancement towards a frumble society", said Gheorghe Iudin.

The Administration of Carmangeria BARDA, Olesea Plugaru, beneficiary of EU-funded ODA programmes, is an example of successful history.

“This programme is an opportunity that women were waiting with unravel and are determined to seize this chance to develop the business,” it mentioned the entrepreneur.

Under the female Entrepreneurship Support Programme, non-repayable financial support is provided for up to lei 200.000 for entrepreneurs at the beginning of the road. In addition, provision is made for non-repayable financial support of up to lei 600.000 to developing enterprises.

More on the Programme here: www.oda.md/granturi/program-antreprenoriat-feminin.

The submission of applications for grant access is done online, filling in the form on the link https://formular.oda.md/#/

The full launch event of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Support Programme can be pursued here.