Under the new ODA strategy to support Moldova’s entrepreneurs in 2026, the volume of grants will decrease by 9.4% compared to 2025, to 313.8 million lei, while the volume of modern financial instruments will increase almost nine-fold, to 1 billion 045 million lei
As reported by the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization, the Organization for Entrepreneurship Development (ODA) is implementing a new strategic concept for supporting the entrepreneurial environment in 2026, beginning a new stage of national strategic transition: from a predominantly grant-based model to a modern and diversified economic development architecture that combines non-repayable financial assistance with other financing mechanisms in line with European practice, focused on capital growth and increased competitiveness. As noted, although the volume of grant funding has been adjusted and will amount to 313.8 million lei in 2026, compared to 346.4 million lei in 2025 (-9.4%), the amount of support per enterprise has increased depending on its category (micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises). Grants remain an important pillar, but they are no longer the dominant instrument. The strategic focus is shifting towards sustainable financial instruments capable of delivering a stronger investment effect. Thus, in 2026, the government, through ODA, will allocate about 1 billion 045 million lei to modern financial instruments, which represents an exponential increase compared to approximately 117 million lei in 2025. At the same time, 300 million lei are earmarked for new guarantee products. Thanks to the new guarantee products, ODA is reducing one of the biggest barriers for entrepreneurs – the lack of collateral – and turning viable ideas into real investments. Entrepreneurs will be able to obtain loans on more favorable terms for export, agricultural modernization, or development through the issuance of corporate bonds. The state assumes a significant part of the risk, and SMEs gain access to capital for growth. At the same time, 450 million lei are allocated for financial products under FACEM. Thanks to interest compensation and preferential lending, the cost of financing is reduced and remains predictable for entrepreneurs, while the volume of lending to SMEs increases. Entrepreneurs will be able to invest more, faster, and at lower interest rates. With the help of new guarantee products, ODA reduces the cost of financing and makes it predictable for entrepreneurs, while the volume of lending to SMEs 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 broader and more predictable access to capital. The financing fund will amount to 60 million lei. It opens up real access to investment financing (equity capital) for small and medium-sized enterprises and high-potential start-ups for the first time. Entrepreneurs will no longer depend solely on bank loans, but will be able to raise capital for scaling, innovation, and internationalization. This will be a strategic step towards the development of a modern capital market in Moldova. 204 million lei are earmarked for business infrastructure. 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 production and logistics infrastructure, as well as support from incubators providing premises, mentoring, and business development services. This intervention creates real conditions for local business growth and attracts productive investment across the country. Other forms of grant assistance will amount to 31 million lei. In addition to basic financial instruments, ODA continues to support entrepreneurs through additional forms of grant aid that have a direct impact on competitiveness. Funding for dual education contributes to the training of personnel adapted to the real needs of the business environment, reducing the shortage of skilled personnel at the regional level. Subsidizing participation in exhibitions and fairs promotes domestic products, entry into foreign markets, and integration into value chains. At the same time, strengthening advisory services and, in particular, expanding training programs provide entrepreneurs with specific opportunities to develop managerial and technical skills, supporting them in strategic planning, process digitalization, and sustainable business development. In 2026, ODA will strengthen its support for SMEs by creating a modern integrated financing system based on a combination of non-repayable financial resources and new financial instruments that stimulate investment in the real economy and bring Moldova into line with European economic development practices. As noted by the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization, 2026 will be the year when support for SMEs becomes more strategic, more effective, and more focused on investment, growth, and European integration. // 18.02.2026 — InfoMarket.
