Introduction:

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), an international humanitarian organization, along with the Association of Female Entrepreneurs in Moldova (AFAM), announces the launch of a groundbreaking program titled "Driving Economic Inclusion and Empowerment for Refugees and Vulnerable Communities" in the Chisinau municipality.

Objective:  

The primary focus of this program is to capacitate refugees from Ukraine, Third Country Nationals, and vulnerable local Moldovans, advancing their self-reliance through income-generating initiatives.

Program Duration: Four months: August - November 2023

The application period is open from 16 August 2023 until 31 August 2023.

Targeted communities:

- Refugees from Ukraine; 

- Third Country Nationals; 

- Vulnerable local Moldovans.

Program Highlights:  

The meticulously curated program will offer:

• Specialized Entrepreneurship Training;
• Advanced Soft Skills Development Modules;
• Tailored English/Romanian Language Courses (subject to individual needs);
• Childcare Support Mechanisms (for participants with children);
• Comprehensive Transportation Assistance;
• Exclusive Mentorship, Coaching, and Counseling Sessions.

Special Opportunity for Participants

Out of all our dedicated participants, 20 standout individuals will be selected to receive a significant boost to kickstart their business aspirations. They'll be awarded a grant of up to 104,500 Moldovan Lei. This is not just funding; it's our investment in your potential, believing in your vision and the change you can bring to the community. Take this chance to transform your entrepreneurial dreams into thriving realities!

Eligibility Criteria:

• Legal Status & Residency :
• Must either have a legal status in Moldova or express a clear interest in obtaining one.
• Must fall under one of the following categories: refugee from Ukraine, Third Country National, or vulnerable local from Moldova residing in the Chisinau municipality or nearby areas.

• Age Requirement :
• Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.

• Entrepreneurial Intent :
• Must demonstrate both the ability and desire to initiate and operate a business in the Republic of Moldova.

• Language Proficiency :
• Must be proficient in speaking and writing in Russian, as the program will be conducted in Russian.

• Commitment :
• Must be available to participate fully in the program from August to November 2023.

• Childcare Needs :
• Participants with children are encouraged to apply; however, they should declare their need for childcare services in the application for appropriate logistical planning.

• Humanitarian Priority:

-    Applicants with pressing humanitarian needs will be given priority in the selection process.

• Program Readiness :
• Candidates should exhibit a keen interest in the program highlights, particularly entrepreneurship training, soft skills development, and mentorship.

Applicants who meet the criteria outlined above are strongly encouraged to apply, ensuring that their application is both accurate and complete to optimize the selection process.

Selection process

Out of the many aspirants, 35 promising beneficiaries will be chosen for a holistic educational experience. This includes dedicated training in entrepreneurship, enhancement of soft skills, and proficiency development in language courses.

However, commitment and action remain the cornerstone of this program. Out of these 35 participants, only those who manifest a clear desire to pursue their entrepreneurial journey and can effectively draft a precise business plan during the training and mentoring sessions will progress to the next phase.

A limited cohort of 20 from the initial 35 will be identified for financial backing. These selected participants will be provided with grants up to 104,500 Moldovan Lei. This funding is designed to provide them with the necessary financial push to transform their entrepreneurial ideas into tangible ventures, be it on an individual scale or as part of a collaborative enterprise.

This rigorous selection process ensures that not only is talent recognized, but also commitment and practical application are rewarded.

Application Process:  

Prospective candidates are urged to meticulously complete the application form, ensuring accuracy and thoroughness. Such diligence will optimize our assessment phase, streamlining the identification of ideal participants for this transformative initiative. You can apply to the program shall you are interested in learning business skills, and other skills required, and getting mentoring and financial support to open your business in Moldova through this link. https://kn75oayz7ih.typeform.com/to/O7RPviPS

Contact Information

Should you need detailed information, require clarifications, or wish to address any inquiries, our program coordinators are here to assist.

Email: You can reach out to us anytime at proiecte.afam@gmail.comWe monitor our email 24/7, and our team is committed to providing timely responses to all queries.

Phone: For those who prefer to speak directly, you can contact us at 076767670. Please note that our phone lines are operational during standard working hours. If you're reaching out outside of these hours, we recommend sending an email for a swift response.

We value your interest and will ensure that all inquiries are attended to promptly.

Together, let's craft a robust, inclusive, and self-reliant community for all.