Chisinau, October 10 (Infotag). Last 12 months, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has realized in Moldova 10 projects in support of small businesses worked out in the framework of the Business Advisory Service (BAS) launched in September 2005.

BAS Regional Director Natalia Meylunas told a news conference in Infotag today the Business Advisory Service is targeted at providing technical assistance to small enterprises and at development of the consultancy services market in the localities.

She said small businesses receive partial compensations of their investment in new know-how, production modernization, and personnel training. BAS consultants help local entrepreneurs to carry out market analyses, and work out trademarks and marketing strategies.

BAS is to work till the end of 2008 to implement 46 projects to a total amount of over 250 thousand euros, with an average subsidy size being € 5.680.

Natalia Meylunas said another 12 projects are to be accomplished by the end of 2006. Sixty-one percent of businesses addressing the BAS specialize in the production sphere and the rest 39% -- are various services companies. Local small businesses are ready to pay for consultancy but have no idea how to find a consultant or how to assess the work cost and quality. That’s exactly what the BAS helps them in.

Program National Director Stella Melnic said the Program employs 62 consultants, and economic operators wishing to receive their help are supposed to have minimum 2 years’ experience of practical work at the local market, and such companies are supposed to have a staff not exceeding 25 persons.

The European Bank’s BAS program has been working since 1995, having already realized 584 projects in 19 countries.