LocationsSeveral businesses in Cahul are providing development opportunities for the community and vulnerable groups
July 3, 2025
Poto: UNDP Moldova
Ten social entrepreneurship initiatives in Cahul municipality are contributing to social inclusion and community development in areas such as digital education, vocational training, and recreational activities for children and young people. Each initiative received financial support of up to €1,700, which included assistance in the form of equipment, goods, and services. The ten social entrepreneurship businesses have been supported by the European Union and UNDP through the Cahul Regional Social Business Hub, with assistance from the "EU4Moldova: Focal Regions" programme.
A beauty salon in Cahul is helping young women gain a profession
Beauty is not only about hairdressing or make-up services; it is also about supporting those who need the chance to learn, to work and to move forward. This is the belief of Raisa Munteanu, an entrepreneur and owner of a beauty salon in Cahul municipality, who offers young women the opportunity to learn a new skill.
In 2024, her salon was renovated and furnished with professional equipment. Thanks to the European investment, the salon now features a hair dye lab, professional hairdressing equipment, facilities for hygiene and manicures, modern chairs, and a comfortable space for clients and trainees.
"We want to help young people and women facing difficulties to have a real opportunity for a better future," says Raisa Munteanu, the founder of the salon.
These new investments have improved the quality of services for clients, but above all they provide genuine opportunities for women who wish to pursue a career in the beauty industry. For many young women in Cahul, this is their first step towards a career. Here, they gain confidence and acquire skills that help them become independent in their chosen field. So far, eight young women have completed internships at Raisa Munteanu's beauty salon, and three of them have secured employment.
A company specialised in cleaning services – an example of social entrepreneurship
A cleaning company from Cahul municipality has improved its service delivery capacity by purchasing specialised equipment for cleaning and sanitising: a wet-dry vacuum for chemical cleaning of furniture, a pressure washer, a professional vacuum cleaner, a spray-extraction cleaner, a branch-cutting knife, and two steel ladders.
"We are grateful for this opportunity and motivated to take cleanliness to a new level," says Tatiana Miriniuc, the company's founder.
The new facilities improved service quality and also made it possible to expand operations, attract new clients, and create two new jobs.
According to Tatiana Miriniuc, the company she leads is contributing to the development of social entrepreneurship in the region by creating new jobs and offering opportunities to people seeking professional stability.
Alongside these businesses, there are also eight other initiatives supporting the community through IT education workshops, cooking classes for young people from vulnerable backgrounds, catering services, and psychological and legal support for women in the community, as well as centres for educational activities.
"By supporting social entrepreneurship, we invest in people and their potential to transform communities from within. These initiatives not only create jobs but also provide solutions for social inclusion and sustainable local development," concluded Simion Berzoi, manager of the business component of the "EU4Moldova: Focal Regions" programme.
The ten initiatives were selected in 2024 through a public competition announced by the Cahul Regional Social Business Hub, which operates within the Cahul Branch of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI). According to Olga Vanțevici, Director of Cahul CCI, the Regional Social Business Hub of Cahul showcased the value of social entrepreneurship: from educational, gastronomic, and cleaning initiatives to crafts and services, all serve as drivers for inclusion, employment, and regional identity.
"Social entrepreneurship is a key driver of transformation for vulnerable communities – it brings hope, jobs, essential services, and a culture of solidarity. It is a form of economy with a soul, centred on people rather than just profit," concludes Olga Vanțevici.
