Deadline Date: June 28, 2026
The “Facilitating an Inclusive Green Transition in the Republic of Moldova,” funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has launched a call for applications to support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and start-ups in adopting sustainable and innovative business practices.
The initiative focuses on supporting the transition towards a green, competitive and resilient economy through the adoption of green technologies, innovative solutions, circular economy models, low-carbon development, resource efficiency, renewable energy, energy efficiency, cleaner production technologies, waste reduction, process modernization, recycling, waste management, reuse, repair, eco-design, circular business models, and solutions for waste streams such as plastic, textiles and electronic waste. The project also prioritizes enterprises managed or founded by women and youth.
The call aims to select 30 beneficiaries across three support lots. The first lot, Green Development Projects, will support up to 10 SMEs with funding of up to USD 15,000 per beneficiary, covering up to 80% of project costs. Applicants must provide a minimum monetary co-financing contribution of 20%. Development projects may be implemented over a period of up to 13 months and may include investments in energy efficiency, renewable energy, cleaner production technologies, waste reduction, circularity measures and process modernization.
The second lot, Green Innovation Projects, will support up to 10 innovative green SMEs. Selected beneficiaries may receive up to USD 20,000, covering up to 70% of project costs, with a minimum monetary co-financing contribution of 30%. Projects may run for up to 13 months and can focus on piloting and scaling innovative green solutions, introducing new technologies in green sectors, and developing solutions with market potential.
The third lot, Circular Economy Start-up Projects, is designed for start-ups and will support up to 10 beneficiaries. Funding of up to USD 20,000 will be available per beneficiary, covering up to 90% of project costs, while applicants must contribute at least 10% in monetary form. Projects may be implemented over a period of up to 14 months and can focus on recycling, waste management, reuse, repair, eco-design, circular business models and solutions addressing different waste streams.
Projects selected under the competition will be implemented between July 2026 and July or August 2027, depending on the lot under which they are approved.
Eligible applicants include legal entities classified as micro, small or medium-sized enterprises, individual entrepreneurs, and natural persons intending to establish a start-up under Lot 3. Applicants under Lots 1 and 2 must demonstrate business sustainability and provide financial statements for the previous two years. All applicants must clearly indicate their own financial contribution and funding sources in the application documentation, as in-kind contributions are not eligible.
Certain expenditures are not eligible for support under the program. These include costs related to ceremonies, celebrations, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, weapons, luxury goods, gambling-related activities, expenses already financed from other sources, financial service costs such as loan interest and debt repayments, taxes, fines, acquisitions unrelated to project objectives, and any bonds, debts, penalties or sanctions imposed on beneficiaries.
For more information, visit UNDP.
