New call for grants launched to increase competitiveness of SMEs

Chisinau, August 18 /MOLDPRES/- The Organization for the Development of Entrepreneurship (ODA) today launched a new call for grants within the program to increase the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and their internationalization.

"The purpose of the program is to contribute to sustainable economic growth by attracting investments, increasing the competitiveness and productivity of SMEs in the Republic of Moldova, as well as their internationalization. SMEs registered in the Register of Legal Entities in the country, which have been active on the market for at least two years and demonstrate continuous growth, can participate in the Program", explained the interim director of ODA, Dumitru Pîntea.

Thus, through the Program, SMEs can obtain support within two pillars: I – Training of entrepreneurial skills through the business voucher scheme, for the purchase of business development services; II - Financial support through the "Grant" scheme, in the purchase of tangible and intangible assets to increase competitiveness, productivity and the internationalization of the business. Priority will be given to SMEs that introduce innovative elements into the production process, diversify products/services, especially if they substitute imports or have export potential.

The value of the grant is from 250 thousand lei (12.5 thousand euros) to two million lei. Own contribution is at least 50%. The grant application is made online. Financial support will be provided for the purchase of equipment, machinery, installations; registration and exploitation of rights over intellectual property objects, acquisition of intellectual property objects; procurement of franchises, licenses, software, raw materials and materials necessary for the production process; commercial real estate intended for production processes.

The program was developed by the Ministry of Economy in collaboration with ODA with the technical assistance of the European Union Project "Quality Infrastructure in the context of DCFTA". This tool aims to develop a complex system of providing support for businesses with potential for growth and internationalization.