Startups and experienced entrepreneurs in the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia and Taraclia region can benefit up to €18,400 through the EU funded “Support to Agriculture and Rural Development in ATU Gagauzia and Taraclia” (SARD) Program, implemented by UNDP. Project proposals for financing by the European Union through the SARD Program may be submitted during 17 October – 15 November 2016, IPN reports.

This is the first round of the competition to support business development projects in Gagauzia and Taraclia. The second round of the competition will be announced in May 2017.

Entrepreneurs from the ATU Gagauzia and Taraclia district who may contribute 20% of the requested amount are eligible applicants. Besides financial support, selected entrepreneurs will benefit from guidance and individual counseling in business during a year.

The support for local entrepreneurship initiatives and SMEs’ development from ATU Gagauzia and Taraclia district is one of the three components of the SARD Program. Being financed by the European Union with €6.5 million and implemented by UNDP, the SARD Program aims to boost the collaboration between central and local authorities, as well as among the regional organizations from ATU Gagauzia and Taraclia district, so as to foster the social-economic development of the region and of the Republic of Moldova as a whole.