PHOTO // Non-reimbursable funding for entrepreneurs of Moldova: 81 companies receive grants worth 43 million lei

A total of 81 domestic companies have received grants amounting to 43 million lei, provided with the support of Moldova’s government and the World Bank Group. The financial resources will be used to modernize businesses, with investment in the national economy estimated at 96 million lei. The beneficiaries were announced at an event held in Chisinau today.

The 81 selected companies already provide jobs for around 1,200 people and, once the funded projects are implemented, will generate at least 420 new employment opportunities in their communities. The support provided contributes to increased economic competitiveness, higher wages and the strengthening of local development potential.

The non-reimbursable funding is provided by the Moldovan government, which contributes 24 million lei for 59 companies. In addition, another 22 companies receive grants totaling 19 million lei through the Program for Increasing the Competitiveness of Local Producers and Integration into Value Chains, financed by the government and the World Bank Group, through the Organization for Entrepreneurship Development (ODA) and the World Bank Competitiveness Enhancement Project Implementation Unit.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economic Development and Digitalization Eugeniu Osmochescu said that the private sector was the driving force behind the development of the national economy. He urged domestic companies to access the funding programmes managed by the ODA, which have been constantly streamlined in recent years.

“Only the private sector can make this country grow. We only come with support and provide tools. Otherwise, it is not possible. The programmes that will be made available starting from 2026 will be automated. ODA will implement more information systems. All of us must invest much more. I told development partners that Moldova is no longer at the stage where we need to be taught. We are implementing joint investment projects. We are at the stage where we must invest, including public money,” said Eugeniu Osmochescu.

Aureliu Casian, Executive Director of the World Bank Competitiveness Enhancement Project Implementation Unit, noted that the World Bank Group had supported and would continue to support the government’s efforts, which are mainly focused on developing the private sector and creating a predictable and business-friendly environment.

“This event once again proves the results of the joint effort of the government, ODA and the World Bank Group, in order to support local producers, to promote them on European Union markets and, in general, to create a favorable business environment for economic growth,” underlined Aureliu Casian.

The official encouraged companies to access new markets and increase their export capacity, noting that this brings numerous benefits for entrepreneurs.

ODA director Vadim Codreanu said that the 81 companies benefiting from funding at this stage are the first among roughly 1,000 that ODA aims to support during the current year, together with the government and development partners.

“We assure you that we are making every effort to boost the support you receive this year compared to previous years. We are in the midst of the digital transformation of ODA’s operations, which will have a positive impact on companies intending to submit applications for access to financial support,” added Vadim Codreanu.

During 2025, through the non-reimbursable financial support instruments managed by ODA, 810 entrepreneurial projects were approved for funding, and the total amount of approved non-reimbursable funding reached 346.4 million lei. The grants provided generate total investments in the economy of 653.3 million lei, with resources ensured through a combination of state budget funds and support from development partners. The assistance provided has helped maintain 10,374 jobs, while another 5,073 are planned to be created.