The second round of a EU-funded grants’ contest is starting on March 1 to help create new businesses and develop small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the ATU Gagauzia and Taraclia. Both start-ups and experienced entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply for non-reimbursable financial assistance of up to €18,400 per selected project, IPN reports.

The money will be provided through the EU-funded “Support for Agriculture and Rural Development in ATU Gagauzia and Taraclia” (SARD) Program implemented by UNDP. Eligible to apply are entrepreneurs from ATU Gagauzia and Taraclia district, who can provide a contribution of 20% of the requested amount. Besides the financial support, the selected entrepreneurs will benefit from guidance and individual business coaching during the first year. Every beneficiary will be required to create at least three new jobs.

Four information sessions will be held in Comrat, Ceadar-Lunga, Vulcanesti and Taraclia within the project.

The project proposals for obtaining financing from the European Union may be submitted by May 2, 2017.

Support for local entrepreneurship initiatives is one of the three main components of the SARD Program. It also includes activities for empowering communities, renovating infrastructure facilities and promoting intercommunity cooperation in ATU Gagauzia and Taraclia district. Financed by the European Union with 6.5 million Euro and implemented by the UNDP, SARD Program aims to boost collaboration between central and local authorities, as well as among regional organizations from ATU Gagauzia and Taraclia district in order to foster social and economic development in the region, in particular, and in Moldova in general.