The new economic development architecture will combine grant instruments of financial support with other financing mechanisms in line with European practice, oriented towards capital multiplication and competitiveness, the Ministry of Economy argues.
Grants remain an important pillar, but they will no longer be the dominant instrument. The strategic focus is shifting towards sustainable financial instruments that can ensure an enhanced investment effect.
Therefore, the funding for grants allocated for 2026 to the Organization for Development of Entrepreneurship (ODA) will be reduced from last year’s 364.4 million lei to 313.8 million lei.
However, other forms of financial support will increase exponentially, from 117 million lei last year to 1.045 billion lei this year.
What projects will be financed
1. New guarantee products – 300 million lei
Thanks to new guarantee products, ODA will reduce one of the biggest barriers for entrepreneurs – lack of sufficient collateral – and turn viable ideas into real investments.
Entrepreneurs will be able to obtain loans on more favorable terms for export, agricultural modernization or development by issuing corporate bonds. The state will assume a significant part of the risk and SMEs will have access to capital for growth.
2. Financial products under FACEM – 450 million lei
Thanks to interest compensation and preferential lending, the cost of financing is reduced and remains predictable for entrepreneurs, and SME lending increases. Entrepreneurs will be able to invest more, faster and at lower interest rates.
These instruments not only support investment, but also accelerate the development of sustainable businesses through greater and more predictable access to capital.
When establishing the Fund for Entrepreneurship and Economic Growth of Moldova (FACEM) in 2022, it was stated: “The cost of financial credit resources (interest rates) through FACEM will be at least 30% lower than the financial resources currently attracted by SMEs from banks and non-banks. Part of the financing may have a grant component, which means that, depending on available resources, FACEM will offset part of the interest rate or part of the lending rates. In doing so, the Fund will combine financing products with an ODA financial guarantee instrument”.
At that time, the Fund was allocated MDL 70 million, but it was claimed that “an additional capitalization of MDL 2.7 billion is expected over the next 3 years (2023 – MDL 450 million, 2024 – MDL 1 billion and 2025 – MDL 1,320 million).” However, this did not happen.
3. Fund of Funds – 60 million lei
The Fund of Funds opens for the first time a real access to investment financing (equity capital) for SMEs and startups with high potential. Entrepreneurs will no longer depend solely on bank loans, but will be able to raise capital for scaling, innovation and internationalization. This is a strategic step towards the development of a modern capital market in the Republic of Moldova.
4. Business infrastructure – 204 million lei
Investments in business infrastructure, including industrial parks and business incubators, strengthen regional economic development and reduce territorial disparities.
Entrepreneurs in the regions will benefit from modern infrastructure for production and logistics, as well as support from incubators that provide premises, mentoring and business development services. These actions will create real conditions for the growth of local businesses and attract productive investments across the country, the Ministry of Economy claims.
5. Other forms of gratuitous support – 31 million lei
Besides the main financial instruments, ODA will continue to support entrepreneurs through additional forms of grant support, which have a direct impact on competitiveness.
The financing of dual education will contribute to the training of personnel adapted to the real needs of the business environment, reducing the shortage of qualified personnel at the regional level.
Subsidizing participation in fairs and exhibitions will promote domestic products, access to foreign markets and integration into value chains.
At the same time, strengthening advisory services and, in particular, expanding training programs will provide entrepreneurs with concrete opportunities to develop managerial and technical skills, supporting them in strategic planning, digitalization of processes and sustainable business growth.
