Ten women in Moldova received a grant of six thousand euros in a project of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Organization, funded by the European Union.

Maria Pleșca owns factories for manufacturing uniforms for 12 years. She wants to expand her business in Romania as well. 

"Thanks to this program, you will remain in the country. I'll provide equipment for production endowment, "said entrepreneur Maria Pleșca.

Over 300 women attended the project and received support and training form ODIMM. Only ten of them, who presented the most successful business plans, received the grant.

"We focused on the business cycle, the company's location. Priority was given to rural businesses. Of course, we also took into consideration the created jobs, but also the whole idea of the business and its viability, "said Petru Gurgurov, interim director general ODIMM.

The European Union has offered over 200,000 euros for this project.

"We believe that there are potential and opportunities for women in the Republic of Moldova to create business, develop, export and take advantage of the Free Trade Agreement," said Aneil Singh, head of the EU Delegation Cooperation Section.

"The Government pays great attention to the entrepreneurship of small and medium-sized enterprises, including women and young people. We are trying to develop several financing schemes and financial instruments to cover more needs, "said Iulia Costin, State Secretary of the Ministry of Economy.

The Business Academy for Women project was launched in February 2017.