OM helps Moldovans set up their own businesses

Moldova, Republic of | Alida de Vries

Among the 18 participants of OM Moldova's business course is Valeru. Valeru started his own business about four to five years ago. Like most Moldovans, he tried to find work in foreign countries. He travelled through Europe and found some places where he could work for a short time, illegally.

After a few years, he grew tired of working abroad, away from his wife and three children. He decided to take a bank loan to start an agricultural business with sheep and grapes. At the moment he has 200 sheep, a vineyard of 9.5 hectares and 3 employees who help him manage the farm.

He is happy to be involved in two kinds of agriculture. The wine industry is in a crisis at the moment. The company who bought his grapes last autumn hasn't paid him yet.

Valeru signed on for OM's business course to refresh his knowledge about business. He studied law and finance a few years ago, but the course was very theoretic. OM's course is more practical.  “This course is specially designed for all kinds of people," says Vasili, one of the course leaders. "Many participants are from villages and are not highly educated. We try to keep the course as simple and practical as possible.”

“But it’s not superficial,” adds Valeru. “It goes deep, and even though I already run my own business, I have learnt a lot from this course.”

Most participants came to this course with an idea of a business they would like to start in the near future. During the week they learn how to set up a small business. The training program includes sessions on marketing, finances, managing staff, capital requirements and writing a business plan, while at the same time exposing participants to people who are successful in business in Moldova.  Of the 18 participants this course, 12 will receive a small loan to start up their own business.

Credit: Alida de Vries
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