Deadline: 18-Jun-23
The UNDP/AdTrade project is seeking applications for the AdTrade Program to stimulate the development and expansion of small and medium-sized enterprises, the creation of new enterprises and the increase of the potential of existing ones.
The UNDP/AdTrade project assists micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in developing and increasing their export potential. In 2020, 36 SMEs received financial support, which helped them start their own business, and for existing companies to expand their production capacities, diversify their activities and become more competitive.
On both banks of the Dniester, there are numerous current problems faced by SMEs in recent years: the multiple crises that generate restrictions on raw material deliveries and customs logistics, difficulties related to the energy efficiency of enterprises, which aggravate the already difficult situation of the SME sector.
Although MSMEs have growth potential and can launch new products/services with significant competitive advantages, including for European Union markets, their impact on the economy is still small or even insignificant in the case of the left bank. Companies from the sectors: IT, agriculture, winemaking, tourism, light industry, companies that promote alternative energy sources; demonstrates the ability to generate high added value, creating permanent jobs, developing synergies with related sectors.
The implementation of efficient energy technologies and solutions, modernization and innovation of equipment, business development and partnerships can allow businesses to reduce energy consumption costs, increase the competitiveness of their products/services, carry out economic activities, but also reduce the negative impact on the environment.
The IMMM support program, administered by the Innovation and Development Agency, implemented by UNDP within the Project “Development of export capacities on the banks of the Dniester” (AdTrade), with the financial support of Sweden and Great Britain Moldova , is focused on the development of companies and start promising start-ups, especially those led by women or having a positive impact on vulnerable groups, including women or return migrants (on the right or left bank of the Dniester).
In this grant competition, 20 business ideas (projects) will be selected from both banks of the Dniester, from which 10 natural persons who intend to open a business and 10 existing companies will be selected . The beneficiaries will have access to free training courses and mentoring services provided by practicing specialists from different sectors, as well as employees of local companies with successful results from both banks of the Dniester. Each of the 20 beneficiary companies is expected to create at least two permanent jobs, especially for people representing vulnerable groups, women, refugees and migrants who have recently returned to the country.
Priority will be given to businesses that manage to demonstrate viability, sustainability, innovation and export potential. Innovations are encouraged in both management and production processes, being important to increase the competitiveness of the products/services offered. One of the mandatory conditions is the co-financing of at least 20% of the expenses for equipment/services for the development of the business-project. This contribution must be covered from sources other than those provided by the AdTrade project
Funding Information
- Selected projects will receive support of up to USD 15,000 each , in the form of procurement of goods (machinery, tools, production equipment, etc.), creation of IT products, and in addition, services to help develop business (marketing, branding, packaging, etc.). The total budget allocated for the 20 projects is USD 300,000. Also, for 18 months,
Eligibility Criteria
- Project ideas that meet the following eligibility criteria will be admitted to the competition:
- Projects submitted and to be implemented by legal entities with the status of officially registered micro, small or medium enterprises. Priority will be given to micro and small enterprises with up to 49 employees;
- In the case of natural persons who are going to apply, applications can only be submitted by those natural persons who undertake to register a micro, small or medium-sized enterprise or another form of legal organization of entrepreneurial activity within 30 days from the announcement of the results the contest. Financing will be offered only after the registration of the company, i.e. in the name of the legal entity;
- Business projects that involve a contribution of at least 20% of the amount requested in the funding application. All sources of funding, including those awarded in the form of a grant, must be clearly specified in the application form. The contribution must be provided in monetary equivalent;
- At least 2 permanent jobs will be created and priority will be given to people from vulnerable groups, especially women, refugees and migrants who have recently returned to the country;
- Legal entities that, at the time of submitting the application, have no debts to the public budget. As proof, at the commission’s request, a certificate issued by the tax authority must be presented;
- Enterprises (or future enterprises) from both banks of the Dniester can participate in the contest, in the case of applications from the right bank, priority will be given to applicants from the Security area;
- Priority will be given to enterprises that are oriented towards export, the enterprise that promotes the energy efficiency of the enterprise and have a low energy consumption.
For more information, visit UNDP/AdTrade project.