Convinced that big things are done in a team, Petru Bondari from Pohrebea, Dubasari, started a team building business. Together with his wife and several colleagues, he helps companies to strengthen their teams and to thus make larger profit. Those who want to achieve such results spend several days outside the office, usually in the middle of nature, and learn to solve conflicts and communicate efficiently. The launch of the business was possible owing to the project to empower young people from both banks of the Nistru that is implemented within the Support to Confidence Building Measures Program financed by the EU and implemented by UNDP, IPN reports.

A concept widely developed in the West, team building was almost unknown in the Republic of Moldova until recently. But gradually company managers started to budget more money for strengthening teams. Until Petru Bondari opened his firm, those who looked for such services could find them only abroad.

“At start it was only an idea that I had borne in mind since I took part in such an activity abroad,” said Petru Bondari. The idea turned into a business when he won a grant within a competition held by the EU within the Support to Confidence Building Measures Program. With the €8,700 he won, he purchased the necessary equipment, such as boats, tents, sleeping bags, tables and folding chairs and set off.

In the future, the activities will be staged in the beautiful peach orchards of the entrepreneur’s parents. In winter, the training seminars are held in different places, at the request of the clients. The made profit exceeded expectations.

Petru Bondari said each program is divided into several sections. For example, companies can choose from among teambuilding, leadership and confidence building subprograms. For children, they provide recreational, fishing and other programs, while for tourists recreational and confidence building programs.

The business started with European funds is not the only one managed by the Bondari couple. They also own an orchard, a shop and run several other businesses.

Petru Bondari is one of the over 70 young people from both sides of the Nistru who obtained EU grants for starting or developing a business. Moreover, the young people benefitted from the services of professional consultants who during 14 months helped them to more efficiently manage their business.