“Women in Business” is the name of a new initiative of the EBRD Program BAS Moldova (Business Advisory Services), implemented with the financial support of the Swedish government. Assistance will be offered through the co-financing of consultancy programs and other actions for developing companies ran or owned by women or companies where most of the employees are women. Moreover, the initiative will encourage the diversification of types of services offered by consultant women, Info-Prim Neo reports. “Unlike previous initiatives, the Women in Business Project will support even starting companies, including those with only a business idea”, said Veronica Arpentin, national manager of EBRD BAS Moldova. Grants will cover up to 70% of consultancy services for women from all the fields of national economy. The focus will be on consultancy projects implemented by companies in the field of textiles, retail, tourism, catering, artisanship, medical services, etc. The maximum value of projects can be €10,000. “Moldova has one of the highest net emigration ratios in the world: almost 25% of all Moldovans are abroad and 60% of them are women. The Swedish government decided to support the development of real opportunities for Moldovan women so that they could stay in the country, with their families and embark on carriers according to their professional training”, stated Swedish Ambassador in Moldova Ingrid Tersman. The diplomat said that in Moldova the number of businessmen is thrice the number of businesswomen, even though women are more active, including those in the rural areas. “Changing this ratio on the labor market will show the sings of an intelligent policy promoted by Moldovan authorities”, said Ingrid Tersman. The initiative “Women in Business” is a three year project, until 2015. Its cost rises to €1 million. According to the plan, 90 companies ran or owned by women or with a majority of women employees should benefit from the project. Since it started in Moldova, in 2005, EBRD BAS has supported 320 small and medium businesses from different branches of economy like agriculture, food industry, IT, retail and wholesale trade or clothing industry. The total value of BAS assistance until now rises to €1.7 million.