Ten non-governmental organizations that seek to solve a social problem by creating jobs and providing opportunities for social integration for disadvantaged people received grants financed by the European Union and co-financed by Sweden. The money will be invested in creating and developing social enterprises in Moldova, including in the Transnistrian region.
Sorin Mereacre, president of the East European Foundation, noted that this project will harness the potential of both civil society and social enterprises created by civil society. “Starting today, we are funding social enterprises that will provide more new jobs for disadvantaged people. In particular we aim to employ more young people, people with special needs, people of Roma ethnicity, refugees, the elderly, women with more children, other groups of people who need a good and decently paying job”, said Mereacre. According to him, another important goal is to increase awareness among both the population and decision-makers about the importance of social entrepreneurship. Advocacy, promotion of social entrepreneurship, training in various fields necessary for the development of an enterprise are provided.
Janis Mazeiks, head of the EU Delegation to Moldova, stated that the European Union is one of the most active supporters of social entrepreneurship in our country. “In recent years, we have launched several initiatives to support the development of social entrepreneurship, including this project implemented by the East European Foundation. Last week we celebrated together with the civil society the most beautiful results obtained by social enterprises from Moldova during the Civil Society Gala. We are very happy that the results of the projects implemented with the support of the EU bring change at the local level and contribute to the improvement of people’s lives”, said Janis Mazeiks.
“We are very pleased to cooperate with the East European Foundation and their partners. Together we want to contribute to the inclusion of marginalized groups and contribute to the advancement of economic, political and social rights. We are working together to develop social entrepreneurship - a tool that will provide economic opportunities for the most disadvantaged people and contribute to the sustainable economic development of communities”, said Katarina Fried, the ambassador of Sweden.
The total amount offered is 375,000 euros and the maximum amount per project is 37,500 euros. The implementation period of the projects financed under this grant competition is a maximum of 18 months.
Facilitating the creation and development of social enterprises is the basic activity of the project titled “Capitalizing on the potential of civil society for the promotion and development of social entrepreneurship in the Republic of Moldova”, implemented by the East European Foundation in partnership with the Contact Center and Keystone Moldova, with the financial support of the European Union and co-financing from Sweden.
