43M lei boost for local businesses: 81 entrepreneurs receive ODA grants
More than 80 entrepreneurs in Moldova have received a total of 43 million lei in grants for business development. This funding comes from both the Moldovan Government and the World Bank Group. Authorities state that this investment will stimulate additional investments in the economy amounting to approximately 96 million lei.
On April 2, the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization, through the Organization for Entrepreneurship Development (ODA), launched the first round of non-reimbursable financing for the current year. A total of 81 beneficiaries signed grant contracts to stimulate the private sector and increase the competitiveness of local businesses.
Among the entrepreneurs receiving state support are craftsmen and promoters of creative industries. Sculptor Ion Gorbatii expressed his intention to develop a business focused on religious objects.
"I am a sculptor by trade, and I want to establish a business dedicated to creating iconostases, religious objects, and various sculptures," he stated.
Entrepreneur Nata Albot explained that the grant she received will be used to develop a craft workshop in the village of Pohrebea, located in the Dubasari district.
"This investment will be for equipment in a craft workshop: the second floor will serve as a ceramics workshop, while the first floor will be designated for processing," she said.
A total of 22 companies have received direct support from the World Bank Group through a program aimed at enhancing competitiveness and integrating into value chains.
Aureliu Casian, the Executive Director of the World Bank’s Competitiveness Improvement Project Implementation Unit, highlighted the crucial role of exports in economic development.
“The World Bank Group has supported, and continues to support, the Government's efforts to develop the private sector and create a predictable and conducive business environment,” he stated. He also noted that exporting companies tend to be “20-30% more productive” and offer salaries that are “about 10-20% higher” than companies that focus solely on the domestic market.
In this context, Casian emphasized that entering foreign markets compels companies to become more efficient. “When you enter a new market, it holds you accountable; companies tend to continuously improve their processes,” he explained. He added that exporting makes businesses “more stable” and “more attractive to banks.”
During the event, Deputy Prime Minister Eugeniu Osmochescu, who also serves as the Minister of Economic Development and Digitalization, announced a downward adjustment to the economic growth forecast for 2026. He attributed this revision to the complex geopolitical situation.
"I regret to inform you that we have had to slightly lower the growth projection for 2026, from 2.4% to 2.2%. This adjustment is based on the current prices of gas and oil," the Deputy Prime Minister stated.
Despite this downward adjustment, he dismissed alarmist scenarios and emphasized the importance of the Organization for Development Assistance (ODA) in fostering a supportive entrepreneurial environment. He noted that the institution is gradually evolving into a true development fund.
"ODA is a prime example of positive change; it has transformed from merely an organization that supports entrepreneurs to one that focuses on development," he remarked, underscoring that the Republic of Moldova has progressed beyond needing instruction and is now at a stage where investment is essential.
The grant application process is set to be digitized, which will make accessing funding easier, according to ODA Director Vadim Codreanu.
“We are undergoing a digital transformation. By July, you will be able to apply using your electronic signature,” Codreanu announced. He emphasized that entrepreneurs will primarily need to provide details about their planned investments.
In addition to financial support, ODA provides training and consulting programs to assist with business development. Representatives of the institution encourage interested parties to visit the official platform for more information about the available opportunities.
