Moldovan SMEs can access EU-supported financing through local partner banks participating in EU4Business programmes. These financial institutions offer improved lending terms, such as lower interest rates and longer repayment periods, to help businesses upgrade equipment, enhance services, and expand operations.
For example, the EU4Business-EBRD Credit Line provides loans to Moldovan SMEs for investments that align with EU standards, focusing on competitiveness and energy efficiency. The financing can be obtained through partner banks: OTP Bank, Pro Credit Bank, Moldova Agroindbank (maib), Victoriabank, Eximbank.
Also, the ‘FACEM Investii BGK’ credit line is designed to stimulate the growth of the national economy by providing SMEs with financial resources on advantageous terms to finance investment projects related to energy efficiency, energy transition, and climate change adaptation.
For the details of financial support available, visit the EU4Business Moldova website.
With the financial assistance of the European Union under its EU4Business support, Crama Mircești expanded its production capacity, developed rural tourism infrastructure, and created local jobs — helping transform a small Moldovan village into a vibrant wine tourism destination.
EU4Business offers Moldovan SMEs access to consultancy services aimed at enhancing various aspects of business operations, including strategy, marketing, operations, quality management, and financial reporting. These services are often subsidised and delivered through local business support organisations.
For example, the Advice for Small Businesses programme (Facebook page) connects SMEs with local consultants and international advisers to address specific business challenges and identify growth opportunities.
The EU4Moldova Local Communities project aims to boost business and job opportunities, promote community-led development, and create a supportive environment for the implementation of the National LEADER Programme (NLP).
With support from EU4Business and EBRD advisory services, a young entrepreneur from Comrat turned his idea into a profitable furniture business, improving operations and expanding his client base.
The EU actively supports women entrepreneurs in Moldova through various initiatives that provide mentoring, business development services, and access to finance tailored for women-led SMEs.
For example, the Women in Business programme implemented by EBRD aims to boost women’s entrepreneurship by enhancing access to both financial and non-financial business development services. The programme works with local partner Prime Capital to offer dedicated financing to help women entrepreneurs, with products that specifically address the needs of women-led SMEs. The programme also offers a personalised online tool – the Business Lens – to assess your business and see what kind of support you can access.
Also supported by the ‘EU for SMEs’ project, the Government has launched the Programme for Supporting Female Entrepreneurship, implemented by the ODA (the Organisation for Entrepreneurship Development). The programme aims to provide both financial and non-financial support to increase the number of female entrepreneurs and improve the economic performance of women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises.
Startups founded and managed by women are eligible for conditional non-refundable financial support of up to 200,000 MDL, while existing companies can receive up to 600,000 MDL. For more information please visit Website and Facebook page of ODA.
With EU4Business support, Ecaterina Colibaba turned her passion for pastry into a growing business — Vanilla Bloom — by investing in equipment, staff training, and a new website, which expanded her customer base from northern Moldova to the capital, Chisinau.
EU4Business assists Moldovan SMEs in enhancing their export competitiveness, particularly in sectors like agriculture and manufacturing. The programme provides technical support to meet EU market requirements, including quality standards and certification processes.
For example, DCFTA Initiative East supports SMEs in Eastern Partnership countries, including Moldova, to take advantage of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) with the EU by improving access to finance and providing technical assistance.
Moldovan entrepreneurs also have access to the EU’s Single Market Programme (SMP) programme, which includes grants for SME development, and also funds the , which helps Moldovan SMEs find business and technology partners across Europe and beyond.
With EU4Business support, Moldovan companies increased production of chocolate-covered fruit and began exploring new export markets and international partnerships.
EU4Business places significant emphasis on Moldova’s agricultural sector. Programmes offer tailored support to enhance operational efficiency, improve product quality, and meet international standards.
For instance, the European Fund for Southeast Europe (EFSE) provides financing to local financial institutions for on-lending to micro and small enterprises in the agricultural sector, supporting investments in modernisation and expansion.
Also, the ‘EU for SMEs’ project, through ODA, supports several government programmes for food production and greening of SMEs, including:
- SMEs Greening Programme – supporting entrepreneurs for the transition from the consumer economic development model to a model that uses the application of the principles of greening and the integration of ‘green economy’ measures in production processes.
- Small Producers Support Programme – designed for small producers who intend to launch or develop a business in the processing industries on the territory of the Republic of Moldova.
The EU-funded EU4Moldova Resilience project offers grants for Moldovan SMEs to invest in agro-processing infrastructure (equipment to turn raw or semi-processed goods into final products). The total fund is 3.45 million MDL. This support aims to strengthen rural value chains, generate jobs, and boost local economic resilience as part of Moldova’s EU integration efforts. Farmers and agro-entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply and explore related innovations under the Smart Villages initiative. More info: solidarityfund.md | facebook.com/solidarityfund.md
The EU-UNIDO Capacity Building and Standards Compliance Programme is part of the project on ‘Improving Standards Compliance through Increased National Residue Monitoring Capacities’, implemented by UNIDO and funded by the European Union. It targets Moldovan SMEs, food operators (OSA), and farmers in the agri-food and livestock sectors. The programme provides training on EU food safety standards, HACCP, hygiene practices, and business development, aiming to boost product quality and export readiness.
With support from EU4Business, a Moldovan entrepreneur established DRON Assistance, a company utilising drone technology to provide high-tech services to local farmers. These services include pest and weed management, as well as mapping and monitoring of cultivated land.
EU4Business offers support for tourism entrepreneurs in Moldova, especially those operating in rural and eco-tourism niches. Support includes business development services, mentorship, branding support, and micro-grants to improve service design, digital presence, and sustainability.
The ‘EU for SMEs’ project, through ODA, supports the government programme for SME Development in the field of tourism, which offers non-reimbursable financing of up to 500,000 MDL, with a minimum own contribution of 30%. The programme targets entrepreneurs working within the rural tourism value chain and supports business development projects focused on green tourism, innovation, and digitalisation.
In 2024, with assistance from the EU4Moldova: Startup City Cahul programme, Ana and Nicolae Capraru enhanced their rural tourism business in Cotihana by developing a website and implementing digital solutions, leading to increased tourist visits and business growth.
EU4Business supports startups and innovative enterprises in Moldova through access to finance, mentorship, and networking opportunities. These initiatives aim to foster innovation, scalability, and integration into international markets.
The EU4Digital programme supports the development of innovation ecosystems in Eastern Partnership countries, including Moldova, by providing funding and expertise to startups and innovative SMEs.
Also, the ‘EU for SMEs’ project, through ODA, supports several government programmes for startups and SMEs, including:
- Start for Youth – promoting entrepreneurship among young people to support their socio-economic integration.
- PARE 1+2 – designed for migrant workers and their first-degree relatives who wish to invest remittances in starting or growing a business.
- Digital Transformation Programme – supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in adopting digital tools and processes
- Digital Innovation and Technology Startups Support Programme – started in 2025, the programme aims to support digital innovations and technological start-ups and to stimulate start-ups in the field of digital innovation, ecological technologies and sustainable production in order to increase the economic competitiveness of the Republic of Moldova.
Through the EU4Moldova: Startup City Cahul project in the southern region, multiple initiatives are being implemented to support the creation and growth of innovation-driven startups, attract investment, and expand their operations.
EU4Business offers various training and skill development programmes for Moldovan SMEs, focusing on areas such as management, marketing, financial literacy, and digital skills. These programmes are designed to enhance business performance and competitiveness.
The project on Harnessing the Potential of CSOs to Promote and Develop Social Entrepreneurship in Moldova empowers Moldovan civil society organisations to establish social enterprises that contribute to sustainable community growth. The project provides access to professional consultations through regional social business centres to guide social enterprises. See the East European Foundation website for opportunities and funding.
The EU4Youth programme is launching a series of projects aimed at enhancing youth employment and entrepreneurship, including mentoring, training programmes and apprenticeships. The previous wave of EU4Youth projects saw hundreds of young Moldovans benefit from skills development activities, as well as start-ups launched with support from EU4Youth projects. Follow the EU4Youth page for upcoming opportunities.
The EU-funded Collaborate for Impact project aims to develop social entrepreneurship and social investment in the Eastern Partnership countries. In Moldova, it partners with Ecovisio to increase awareness and collaboration among social enterprises and civil society organisations and provide access to non-financial resources, education and mentoring programmes. Check out the Ecovisio website and Facebook page for news and opportunities.
The Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme offers free business exchanges for anyone who plans to set up a business or has started one within the last three years, matching new entrepreneurs with experienced entrepreneurs in another European country for a placement of up to six months. Click here to find out how to apply.
Entrepreneurial education is made accessible to all:
- School students – through optional courses under Tekwill in Every School
- Entrepreneurs and startups – via ODA training programmes
- Professionals and non-IT specialists – through Startup Academy for Entrepreneurs courses
To make sure you don’t miss out on new funding, training, and events, you can:
- Visit the EU4Business Moldova country page: https://eu4business.md
- Subscribe to the EU4Business newsletter: https://eu4business.eu/
- Engage with the EU Delegation to Moldova and relevant implementing partners like GIZ, EBRD, or ITC on social platforms or mailing lists
- Stay connected with local business support organisations (BSOs), chambers of commerce, and clusters that often share relevant opportunities from EU-funded projects
- Subscribe to receive opportunities from EU NEIGHBOURS East
You can also check the EU4Business Projects page to find out which programmes are active in Moldova.
