ANOFM provides over 300,000 lei in subsidies to unemployed individuals starting a business
Unemployed individuals in the Republic of Moldova wishing to start their own business can benefit from consulting, assistance, and subsidies of up to 309,000 lei, provided through the National Employment Agency (ANOFM). Over the past five years, the agency has awarded 77 subsidies, creating 124 jobs across 32 regions of the country. According to ANOFM data, 115 of these jobs have been sustained, representing 89% of the total subsidized positions.
According to Andriana Bruma, a senior specialist at ANOFM's Employment Policy Implementation Directorate (National Employment Agency), the program aims to support job seekers' entrepreneurial initiatives and contribute to the development of small businesses, as well as job creation and retention in the regions.
"Over the course of five years, ANOFM has awarded 77 grants across 32 regions of the country. These support measures have created 124 jobs across various fields of activity. An analysis revealed that 115 of these jobs have been retained, representing 89% of the total subsidized positions," stated Andriana Bruma on Radio Moldova’s program "Zi de Zi".
The specialist maintains that the results confirm the value of support measures for aspiring entrepreneurs. The retention of most of the created jobs shows that grants can contribute not only to launching businesses but also to their long-term development.
Since the beginning of this year, 28 unemployed women from 18 regions of the country have received consulting, assistance, and financial support to start a business. The grants have created over 40 jobs in sectors such as agriculture, the food industry, tourism, and other economic activities. Before applying for funding, aspiring entrepreneurs can benefit from training and counseling to prepare their projects. ANOFM offers guidance on understanding entrepreneurial activity, as well as the advantages and risks of running a business.
Individuals who feel they lack sufficient knowledge or skills can request vocational training courses. Conversely, those who already have the necessary experience and skills can opt for a skills certification process to obtain a certificate confirming their qualifications.
"The support provided to unemployed individuals wishing to start a business includes consulting and assistance to help them understand entrepreneurial activity. However, financial support remains the most important aspect," explained Andriana Bruma.
This year, the maximum grant amount is 309,000 lei, which can cover up to 80% of the project's estimated cost. The funds may be used for business registration expenses as well as for purchasing technological equipment, machinery, industrial installations, cargo or passenger transport vehicles, measurement and control devices, computing hardware, and the furniture needed to conduct operations.
Artiom and Elena Cataranciuc, a couple from the town of Fălești, also benefited from ANOFM's support, successfully launching a business in the automotive services sector. The couple chose to invest in auto detailing services—a business venture they wanted to develop for the local market, according to Elena Cataranciuc.
"We decided to open a detailing business. There was nothing like it in our area; my husband came up with the idea, and I handled much of the project's implementation. We submitted an application to the employment agency and received the support needed to move forward with our project," Elena Cataranciuc recounted on Radio Moldova.
She noted that the agency's support went beyond merely granting the subsidy. Specialists from the local branch guided them through project preparation and helped them compile the documentation needed to secure funding.
"We had the full support of the employment agency; they guided us and helped us structure the project correctly. As a result, we were able to launch our business," said the program beneficiary.
Representatives of the National Employment Agency (ANOFM) state that individuals interested in starting their own business can learn about eligibility criteria and funding opportunities from specialists at the agency's 35 local branches. In addition to financial support, they can receive guidance on preparing a project and developing the skills needed to manage a business.
