Business Support Organizations (BSOs) are becoming increasingly relevant actors in supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) on both banks of the Nistru River. This was the key message of the fourth edition of the BSO Forum, held on 11 April 2025, in Chișinău, under the theme “Accelerating MSMEs growth: the impact of business support organizations”.

The event was organized by UNDP, with financial assistance from the European Union, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, within the framework of the "Confidence Building Measures" and "Advanced Cross-River Capacities for Trade" (AdTrade) projects.

The forum brought together over 70 participants from both sides of the Nistru River, including representatives of BSOs, entrepreneurs, experts, development partners, and decision-makers. Together, they explored MSMEs growth opportunities, access to external markets and the ways in which BSOs can contribute to public policy development to foster sustainable economic development on both banks of the river. Discussions also focused on the essential role of BSOs in MSME development and advocacy, alignment with EU single market requirements, trade promotion, women's economic empowerment, and investment in STEEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Entrepreneurship, Arts, and Mathematics) education for the next generation of entrepreneurs on both bank of the Nistru River.

By supporting bilateral BSO partnerships and the broader business environment, UNDP and its partners have contributed to strengthening engagement capacities, building crisis resilience, enhancing export readiness, and improving digital literacy. These efforts have translated into job creation and retention, the adoption of innovative business models, and the expansion of new market niches, including the development of cross-river value chains.

The initiatives implemented under the “Advanced Cross-River Capacities for Trade" (AdTrade) Project and “Confidence Building Measures” Programme have enabled entrepreneurs from both banks to innovate, adapt to new economic realities and explore collaborative opportunities. Tangible results include not only economic growth but also improved mutual understanding and cooperation between communities on both sides of the Nistru River.

The forum also served as an opportunity to recognize the efforts of business support organizations. Six of them received certificates for completing the export capacity development programme. Additionally, four partnerships between business associations from both banks of the Nistru River were financially supported through grants aimed at strengthening institutional capacities in areas such as export promotion, women's economic empowerment and the integration of gender perspectives into organizational activities.

Moreover, three civil society organizations received support to implement STEEAM-focused educational initiatives targeting girls and women from the left bank of the Nistru River, contributing to equal opportunities and expanded access to quality education.

Now in its fourth edition, the Business Support Organizations Forum reaffirms the strong commitment of UNDP and its partners to fostering an inclusive, competitive, and resilient business environment on both banks of the Nistru River.