17 women from rural localities are supported by the Joint Integrated Local Development Programme in developing their business activities. They have received grant certificates of 5,000 U.S. dollars during a ceremony held at the International Farmer Exhibition 2015, where entrepreneurs have exhibited the goods they produce, on a joint exhibition stand entitled „Your successful business at home”.

The Joint Integrated Local Development Programme (JILDP) is implemented by the Government of the Republic of Moldova in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), with the financial support of the Danish and Swedish Governments.

„In all economic development programmes, it is important to reach out to women most in need, particularly marginalized groups – rural women, women with many children, older women, domestic workers, migrants and low-skilled women among others. With the support provided by the Programme, today we have 17 women ready to start-up or expand their businesses. We trust these women will improve their self-confidence, obtain higher incomes and increase wellbeing of their families as a direct result of the program support. Moreover, we trust this support will create more jobs and contribute to the local revenues in the communities”, stated Ms. Ulziisuren Jamsran, country representative, UN Women in Moldova.

„Today’s event is about highlighting the results and starting new initiatives. The participation of small rural businesses that have received support about half a year ago from our programme is a sign of matured businesses with local tangible results. On the other hand, we have the opportunity to support women from rural areas in starting new activities and businesses. These women, as local entrepreneurs, will be able to grow their businesses being close to their families”, said Narine Sahakyan, Deputy Permanent Representative, UNDP Moldova.

Grant recipients are already running or are going to start businesses in apiculture, zootechnics, food processing industry, horticulture, floriculture, handicraft, tailoring, service delivery etc. 

Liubovi Zara, a resident of Ciuciuleni village (Hincesti), mother of 5 children, is one of the grant recipients. She is planning to start a nutria farming business. “I've always wanted to start my own business that would allow me to spend more time with my children and secure their future. Unfortunately, I needed some investment funds to start this activity. Nutria are rodents that are not so capricious and there is a growing demand for their meat and fur on the market of Moldova. I am sure it is a real opportunity for business”, said the entrepreneur from Ciuciuleni.

JILDP will provide assistance for these entrepreneurs throughout the year for the successful implementation of their business plans.

In April 2015, the Joint Integrated Local Development Programme provided other 21 grant certificates of 5,000 U.S. dollars each, summing up a total of 38 supported businesses and 140 new workplaces in 30 rural communities.

Over 300 entrepreneurs from the Republic of Moldova took part and benefited from business trainings organized by the Programme.

The Joint Integrated Local Development Programme supports 30 target localities in developing their local economic environment. These activities are in line with the National Decentralization Strategy of the Republic of Moldova, as approved by the Parliament of the R. Moldova in April 2012.