ODIMM KEEPS PROVIDING GRANTS TO WOMEN IN BUSINESS

101 Moldovan business ladies received financing within the 2nd grant contest of the Program "Women in Business" worth 14.2 million lei (US$820 thousand), which will contribute to direct investments in economy with total worth of 23 million lei, as well as the creation of 385 jobs.

At the ceremony of signing contracts, Minister of Economy and Infrastructure Chiril Gaburici stressed the program's importance, which helps the country develop by means of creating jobs, attracting investments and economic growth.

"Female entrepreneurship is one of Moldovan Government's priorities. I am glad that among companies (opened by contest winners) there are enterprises in the field of informational technologies (IT), medical services and processing industry", he said.

According to the ministry of economy, around 63% of grant beneficiaries are heading enterprises in processing industry, 29% - in IT, accounting, healthcare, children education, while 8% of women are planning to invest in development of enterprises in agriculture.

According to the regulation, within the second stage of financing, women, whose enterprises have already been registered and are functioning for not more than 2 years, were eligible for participating in the contest. The financing is provided for covering the consulting services. The sum of grant accounts for 55-165 thousand lei (US$3.2-9.5 thousand). Within each of three contests around 100 business ladies are selected, who will get financing.

The deadline for applying for participation in the third grant contest starts on December 20 and will last till January 31, 2019.

The pilot program "Women in Business" is designed for three years. It is financed from the budget and the EU funds.