Success Stories

The hardy valleys and landscapes that he grew up to inspire Elena Lazareva from Vorniceni, Strășeni to start a tourism business. As a trade accountant and a passion for tradition and beauty, he decided to combine these two sides in order to create a new activity.

More specifically, in 2019the woman started the business plan of a tourist route connecting 4 neighbouring localities. The bold idea has taken shape, although the project is still half way. Entrepreneurship he managed to build a museum in the Bashtina village of Vorniceni, which now hosts cultural events in the region.

The place became Vatra Dummenium, that is because, it is said, in Alexandru the Bun’s time there were people’s settlements, called ‘dumenes’. The aim of the entrepreneur is not to ignore the history of the area, but rather to capitalise on it. Moreover, Elena has gathered old things inherited from parents, grandparents, ancestors from the conscripts. Cushions, towels, traditional carpets, clay tableware are among the exhibits that can be admired at the museum in Vorniceni. The Dream of Elena Lazarev took colour thanks to European funding under the The Women in Business Programme. The grant enabled him to obtain a modern engraving Lazer, a 3D printer and a paint compressor to make souvenirs, which will then be made available to tourists.

EU financial support it is a consistent one, says Elena Lazareva, without it, her business idea would have remained on paper only. The woman intends to apply to other support instruments supported by the The European Union to complete their business plan. In 2021, the entrepreneur aims to build accommodation boxes and a stage for outdoor events. Until then, Vatra Dummenium is open to visitors at any time.

The Women in Business programme was launched in autumn 2016 with the objective of promoting the economic and social ability of women in rural areas by reducing gender inequality, business growth and development, changing the perception of innovation, increasing access to resources, services and technologies. The programme is financed from the state budget and co-financed by EU funds.