---
title: "Women in green businesses can receive mentoring and grants"
url: https://radiomoldova.md/p/87159/women-in-green-businesses-can-receive-mentoring-and-grants
published: 2026-10-13T07:25:00Z
language: en
author: "Iulian Fanaru"
section: "Economic"
source: radiomoldova.md
---

# Women in green businesses can receive mentoring and grants

> Women in the Republic of Moldova who own businesses in the green economy sector can sign up for a program designed to develop and expand their entrepreneurial activities. Under this initiative, 15 female entrepreneurs will be selected to receive training, one-on-one mentoring, and the opportunity to secure investment grants.

![](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/eb32e699-14da-4d1b-80c9-3f3571cfcdcf.jpg)

Women in the Republic of Moldova who own businesses in the green economy sector can sign up for a program designed to develop and expand their entrepreneurial activities. Under this initiative, 15 female entrepreneurs will be selected to receive training, one-on-one mentoring, and the opportunity to secure investment grants.

The program, announced by UN Women Moldova, is designed for women who already own a registered business and wish to develop it, expand their operations, or enter new markets.

Alexandra Șian, a program coordinator at UN Women Moldova, says that for an idea to become a sustainable business, female entrepreneurs need knowledge, planning, and access to financial resources.

"When we speak of a 'green' business, we primarily consider its environmental impact; however, a business always begins with solving a problem and generating revenue," Alexandra Șian explained in the "Bună Dimineața" show on Moldova 1 TV.

Unlike programs that help aspiring entrepreneurs turn an idea into a business plan, this accelerator targets women who are already running a business and are ready to advance to the next stage of development.

"Women with a registered business who have already taken the initial steps—making their first sales, securing clients, and actually launching operations rather than just holding onto a business concept—are eligible to apply for the accelerator program", Alexandra Șian said.

![](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/5d4f147c-4bc9-4428-bca2-021ddcc78aca.jpg)

The support aims to identify development paths and the investments needed. Previously, 30 female entrepreneurs from southern Moldova participated in a similar five-week program. This new phase is open to women across the entire country, with no geographical restrictions.

**Training, mentorship, and business grants**

Selected participants will receive training and one-on-one mentorship tailored to each business's needs. The program will cover common topics such as financial resource management and methods for accessing external funding—including grants, loans, or investments.

The mentorship component will be customized to each entrepreneur's specific field of activity. Experts will help them improve their products and services, strengthen their market position, and set investment priorities.

*"Businesses differ, as do goals and products; therefore, this mentorship process will engage experts specializing in the specific areas where the entrepreneurs need support,"* explained Alexandra Șian.

The program will end with a competition, giving top participants the chance to secure grants to invest in business development. Depending on their needs, they may use the funds to purchase equipment, improve products or services, or undertake additional training.

The UN Women Moldova representative emphasized that developing entrepreneurship requires not only access to finance but also the ability to identify the investments that will most effectively drive business growth.

 **Only 30% of small and medium-sized enterprises are led by women**

Although female entrepreneurship is a significant component of the economy, the proportion of women leading businesses in the Republic of Moldova has remained relatively constant over the last decade.

According to Alexandra Șian, approximately 30% of the country's small and medium-sized enterprises are led by women. However, their contribution to total turnover is considerably lower, accounting for just 23%. The reasons for this are complex and may stem from the sectors in which women operate, development opportunities, access to finance, and the extent to which they are encouraged to take risks in the business environment.

Alexandra Șian believes that these disparities should be analyzed through the lens of economic conditions as well as educational and social factors. How girls and boys are educated, the professions they choose, and the role models available to them can influence their entrepreneurial aspirations and decisions.

**Over 60% of female entrepreneurs have never sought external financing**

Access to financial resources remains a major challenge for women running businesses. A study conducted by UN Women in the Republic of Moldova regarding the financing barriers perceived by female entrepreneurs reveals that the majority of participants have never sought formal external sources of funding. "Over 60% of the female entrepreneurs who participated in the study have never sought formal external financing—such as from banks, savings and loan associations, or microcredit institutions," stated Alexandra Șian.

According to her, many of the women interviewed funded their business activities with their own income or with help from their families. The UN Women Moldova representative explained that this situation may reflect a cautious approach to financial risk, but also the difficulties female entrepreneurs face when applying for loans or other forms of financing.

Conditions that can hinder access to capital include collateral requirements, the need for additional income sources, and the need for guarantors. Under these circumstances, business development depends not only on the entrepreneur's idea and its potential but also on the ability to meet financing institutions' requirements.

**Entrepreneurship offers economic independence**

Supporting women's entrepreneurship is also crucial for women facing difficult situations—including victims of violence, single mothers, and women in rural areas with limited access to resources and education. UN Women Moldova’s interventions target these groups as well, for whom access to education, social support, and economic opportunities can represent a significant step toward independence.

The organization's representative emphasized that success stories are generally not the result of a single intervention, but rather of a long-term support process. It can begin with humanitarian and educational assistance and continue with developing the skills needed for employment or starting a business.

In her view, education and shifts in the models used to raise and shape children can create more equitable opportunities for both women and men. A society where individuals have genuine prospects for development—regardless of age or social background—provides a better environment for female entrepreneurship to flourish.

Alexandra Șian expressed optimism about the future, noting that changes in education and the way young people are encouraged could foster the emergence of a new generation of women entrepreneurs.

[Video: https://trm.blob.core.windows.net/photos/2697fece-2fbe-4f02-a270-4e5cd176547a.jpg](https://original.trm.md/video/definst/MP4:2026/10/12/energiaverde.mp4/playlist.m3u8)