Homecare drives the success of over 200 young entrepreneurs in the Republic of Moldova

In the Republic of Moldova, an increasing number of young people are choosing to stay and build their future at home. Not for lack of alternatives, but out of the conviction that genuine change begins within their own communities. With bold ideas, perseverance, and the right support, entrepreneurship becomes for these young people more than an economic activity—it becomes an expression of dignity, independence, and responsibility toward society.

Against this backdrop, the project “Empowering Young Entrepreneurs in the Republic of Moldova” is coming to an end, leaving behind tangible results and compelling evidence that investing in young people is, directly and unequivocally, an investment in the country’s sustainable development.

A people-centred project, not just a numbers-driven one

Implemented between 2023 and 2026, the project’s primary objective was to develop young people’s entrepreneurial skills by strengthening civil society organisations across all regions of the Republic of Moldova. The intervention model was fully integrated: financial support was complemented by training, mentoring, practical guidance, and continuous assistance.

This approach enabled 204 young people to launch or expand businesses in 23 different economic sectors, ranging from agriculture and services to creative and technical activities. The geographical distribution of beneficiaries reflects a balanced national impact:

• 61 young people in the North,
• 80 in the Centre,
• 63 in the South.

For many of them, entrepreneurship has become a viable alternative to migration and a decisive step toward economic autonomy.

Activated communities and real opportunities

The project reached 283 communities, stimulating youth engagement and interest nationwide. In total, 641 young people applied for the grant competitions, clearly demonstrating the demand for such support mechanisms.

Following the selection process, 204 grants were awarded, tailored to the specific needs of each business idea. Grant amounts—EUR 3,000, 5,000, and 7,000—made it possible to invest in essential equipment, materials, and sustainable business development.

Particular emphasis was placed on rural areas:
117 rural businesses and 87 urban businesses were supported, proving that Moldova’s villages can become spaces of economic initiative, innovation, and resilience.

Beyond grants: skills and jobs

Financial support was systematically reinforced by sustained investment in the personal and professional development of young people:

• 76 young people participated in entrepreneurship skills training;
• 204 benefited from mentoring and personalised assistance throughout the process of launching and scaling their businesses.

These interventions led to the creation of 227 jobs, both for the beneficiaries themselves and for other members of their communities. Although small in scale, these businesses are well structured, generate income, and contribute to reducing migration pressure.

Inclusion and equal opportunities

The project actively promoted the participation of underrepresented groups. Among the supported entrepreneurs:

• 111 are women,
• 93 are men,

many of whom come from rural areas or vulnerable backgrounds. For these young people, the support provided represented not only a financial resource, but also recognition of the value and potential of their ideas.

Strengthened CSOs and long-term impact

A key component of the project was strengthening the capacities of the 10 civil society organisations involved (3 in the North, 4 in the Centre, and 3 in the South). Through training, networking, and exchanges of experience, these organisations have become local hubs of support for young people and active drivers of community development.

Real people behind the results

Beyond the statistics, the project has changed lives. Entrepreneurs speak about the equipment that enabled them to start their activities, about participation in fairs that opened up new markets, and about mentoring that provided confidence and clarity.

As highlighted by Olesea Grosu and Ecaterina Gasnaj, members of the implementation team at AO HomeCare, the impact of this initiative goes far beyond one-off support: the project has transformed civil society organisations into living resources for young people, contributing to the development of entrepreneurial skills and to the generation of sustainable socio-economic change in communities.

Europe invests in Moldova’s future

All these results were made possible thanks to the support of the European Union, which continues to invest in people, ideas, and potential. Through sustainable and innovative businesses, young people are already contributing to economic development, social cohesion, and the Republic of Moldova’s closer alignment with European values.

The project “Empowering Young Entrepreneurs in the Republic of Moldova” is funded by the European Union and implemented by the consortium:
Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe e.V. (Germany), HomeCare, Pro Cooperare Regională, and DEMOS.

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