Fifteen social entrepreneurship initiatives from the left bank of the Nistru River will receive technical and financial assistance totaling US$105,000 to procure equipment and services needed to launch or expand businesses with social impact in their local communities. The initiatives were selected through a competitive process by the Social Entrepreneurship Association as part of the UNDP “Advanced Cross-River Capacities for Trade” (AdTrade) project.

Five of the selected initiatives will each receive up to US$15,000 in equipment and services, funded by Sweden and the United Kingdom, while the other ten will each receive up to US$3,000, with financial support from France.

The selected initiatives span a wide range of sectors, including recycling, eco-friendly products, social services, and local crafts, as well as employment support for people from vulnerable groups.

Daria Belova, founder of a workshop producing adaptive lingerie for people with limited mobility, is one of the winners of the funding competition for social entrepreneurs: "When you live with limitations yourself, you understand how important simple things can be. I started sewing adaptive lingerie for myself, then for friends. Now, this has become my calling. The support I received is not just about a sewing machine; it’s a vote of confidence in women who want to create useful things. Thank you for seeing meaning in my project."

Evghenii Verbanov, founder of a wood and metal processing workshop, will receive support to expand operations: "For me, this assistance is not just an opportunity to grow production, it’s a way to strengthen the model in which business serves society. In our workshop, we provide jobs for former inmates and people with disabilities and the profits support children with disabilities. This is more than entrepreneurship, it’s a responsibility to those who need a second chance."

Tatiana Baranova, founder of the “Handmade ECO Bags” initiative, says the AdTrade project support will allow her to hire a person with a disability and diversify her product line: "I love macramé and eco-friendly materials, and my dream was to turn this hobby into a meaningful business. The ECO bags we create reflect style, personal expression, and care for people and nature. I am grateful for this opportunity."

In addition to financial and technical support, the 15 social entrepreneurs will benefit from training sessions, personalized mentoring, and study visits. They will be guided in developing strategies for growth, marketing, energy efficiency, and financial planning to ensure the sustainability of their businesses and to create at least one job in each initiative.

Through these efforts, the Social Entrepreneurship Association from the left bank of the Nistru River and its members will contribute to the creation of inclusive jobs and the implementation of innovative solutions to local social challenges.

The 15 initiatives were showcased on 27 June 2025, at the “Social Entrepreneurship 2025” Awards Gala held in Tighina (Bender). The Gala celebrated outstanding contributions to social entrepreneurship in five categories. 

Among the finalists who inspired the audience with authentic stories of social transformation was Olga Agarkova, an entrepreneur supporting children with disabilities: "I work with children with disabilities and their families to provide meaningful support and access to a dignified life. This recognition shows that society is beginning to value our efforts. We’ve managed to raise awareness of psycho-verbal developmental issues and open doors to new collaborations."

Tatiana Yaskova, director of the “Skill Lab” Professional Development Center, noted during the event that the award received is a validation of their daily work: "We help people in vulnerable situations learn a profession and regain their confidence. This award motivates us to expand our activity and reach more people. It’s proof that what we do matters."

The event brought together over 200 participants, including social entrepreneurs, representatives of CSOs, development partners, and experts from both banks of the Nistru River.

The UNDP/AdTrade project supported the establishment of the Social Entrepreneurship Association in 2022. The association supports social initiatives and facilitates experience-sharing among social entrepreneurs from both sides of the river. Since its founding, the association has grown to 53 active members, including entrepreneurs, initiatives, and support organizations.

Previously, UNDP provided mentoring and consultancy to over 50 social entrepreneurs on the left bank of the Nistru River, and five businesses received equipment and services for further development.