SME Alliance: Access to EU funds requires a simplified, more efficient process
The executive director of the Alliance of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) of the Republic of Moldova, Liliana Busuioc, emphasizes the importance of clearly explaining the eligibility criteria for European-funded programs in a way that entrepreneurs can easily understand. She advocates for simplifying the processes involved, especially in light of the Economic Growth Plan, for which the European Union is set to provide nearly 2 billion euros in funding over the coming years.
“The process must be simplified so that every entrepreneur can easily identify and access the funding they need. If this were achievable, economic development would accelerate significantly, and access to government funding would improve,” said the director in an interview with journalist Veronica Scorpan for the “Zi de Zi” show on Radio Moldova.
Liliana Busuioc explained that there are approximately 68,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Republic of Moldova that could become direct beneficiaries of the Economic Growth Plan.
“The first key aspect is raising awareness about available opportunities. The second is the active involvement of entrepreneurs in the development of government programs. All policies and initiatives should be created in collaboration with entrepreneurs to ensure they are effective and add value,” emphasized the executive director of the SME Alliance.
She believes that participation in public-private dialogue is crucial. Entrepreneurs should not operate in isolation; instead, they should join business associations that advocate for their interests.
In the Republic of Moldova, there are active business associations where entrepreneurs' voices are heard, and their needs are integrated into program development, allowing them to fully leverage available opportunities, added Veronica Scorpan.
The Government's reform agenda aims to support 25,000 SMEs in their adaptation to European Union standards.
