15 entrepreneurs from Ungheni region received grants of €15,000 - €30,000 each, assistance provided by the European Union for private sector development for the second call of grants conducted by the EU4Moldova: Focal Regions Programme, implemented by UNDP and UNICEF. At the same time, two non-governmental organizations received grant certificates of €20,000 each and another three public associations received support of €1620 each. 

EU Delegation representative present at the event, Ion Guzun, mentioned on the occasion: “We are glad to see that the support provided by the European Union within the EU Focal Regions programme is benefitting the local economy and society. The activities of the small and medium enterprise grant beneficiaries cover agriculture, manufacturing and public services sectors. This diverse range confirms the potential that exists and the concrete opportunities provided by EU assistance for developing a stronger, greener and more sustainable local economy. In addition, the support to vulnerable groups of the population represents an important element for the civil society organisations benefiting from these grants. Working together to promote sustainable, green and smart local development is among the key priorities for the European Union cooperation with Republic of Moldova”.

Ten existing companies and five start-ups from Ungheni region will benefit from financial assistance which will be used to purchase equipment, goods, works and services to grow the respective businesses, to create new jobs and to increase the region's attractiveness for new investments. Also, the grant programme envisages mentoring and training activities to stimulate the entrepreneurial culture of the focal region. 

"We are happy to support and motivate the entrepreneurial spirit of hardworking men and women from Ungheni who are willing to invest their resources and efforts in starting or developing their business here in the Republic of Moldova. Similarly, the civic spirit of local NGOs from Ungheni is laudable, for their dedication to addressing challenges and facilitating access to public services for those left behind”, said Zinaida Adam, program coordinator, UNDP in the Republic of Moldova.

The beneficiaries of the second edition of the business grants programme cover various fields of activity: agriculture, tourism, pastry making, tailoring, construction materials, etc. Overall, supported businesses will create more than 85 permanent and seasonal jobs in Ungheni region. 

"I am confident that the support of entrepreneurs offered by EU4Moldova: Focal Regions Programme is a key element in the economic development of the Ungheni region, and the resources offered to the beneficiaries open new horizons in the business. We look forward to the 15 entrepreneurs and wish them perseverance, creativity, positive thinking and passion in launching new businesses or consolidating existing businesses. What is certain is that the awarded NGOs will contribute to improving the social services offered to citizens," said Alexandru Ambros, mayor of Ungheni. 

Corina Țaranu is an entrepreneur from Ungheni, who since 2008 owns a company that provides sewing services based on contracts. Most of the products crafted by Corina Țaranu's company are exported to Romania, United Kingdom, Germany and Italy. The grant of €29,994, but also her own contribution will be invested in the purchase of machines and equipment for the production of children's clothing collections, but also washable reusable diapers. 

"I am very happy to have such a strong financial support. The EU4Moldova: Focal Regions Programme opens up major strategic perspectives that will make us competitive both at national and international markets. This support encourages us be more creative, up to date, organized and free to implement the boldest ideas,” says Corina Țaranu, director of SRL Karina-Texstyle. 

The civic initiatives supported by the EU will help local communities from Ungheni region to solve several issues they face.

 Viorica Său represents the public association "Social Alternatives" from Ungheni municipality, which this year obtained a grant of €19,951. Thanks to this award, the quality of life of the older people and people with disabilities in Ungheni district will be improved by facilitating access to primary and specialized public services. 

 "Public services are the guarantor of the well-being of a society. This project will offer access to public services to vulnerable people," noted Viorica Său, Project Manager, "Social Alternatives" NGO. 

The 15 winners of the second call of grants for business launched in May 2021 by the EU4Moldova: Focal Regions Programme were selected through a competition of 106 applications received from Cahul and Ungheni regions.  

The total value of grants for the business sector from Cahul and Ungheni regions that will be offered during 2020-2024 in the framework of the EU4Moldova: Focal Regions Programme is about €1.7 million. The NGO sector will benefit from financial and technical support amounting to approx. €90 thousand. 

The list of companies from the Ungheni region receiving grants can be accessed here

The list of NGOs from the Ungheni region receiving grants can be accessed here 

The list of NGOs from the Ungheni region that will benefit from technical /financial assistance can be accessed here. 

EU4Moldova: Focal Regions Programme (2019-2024) supports smart, green, inclusive and sustainable development in Cahul and Ungheni, to ensure better life quality for citizens. The Programme has a total budget of €23 million and is financed by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).