UMAEF-Supported Mini MBA 2026 Celebrates 51 Graduates in Moldova

On July 30, 51 founders, executives, and business leaders graduated from the Startup Moldova Mini MBA 2026, completing an intensive five-month executive education program designed to strengthen leadership, strategic thinking, and decision-making across Moldova’s private sector.

The graduation ceremony welcomed Nick Pietrowicz, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Moldova, who highlighted the generosity of the American people and their continued support for Moldovan entrepreneurs through the Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund (UMAEF). He also reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to strengthening its social, political, and economic partnership with Moldova.

The Mini MBA originated from an idea proposed by Vasile Tofan, now Prime Minister of Moldova, who envisioned bringing world-class executive education to the country. The program was subsequently developed by Startup Moldova with the support of UMAEF.

Following a successful pilot edition in 2025, the 2026 program received accreditation from the Ministry of Education. It is delivered by Startup Moldova in partnership with the Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova and Chișinău Business School. Graduates receive an officially recognized diploma and 10 transferable ECTS credits.

Built around the Harvard Business School case method, the program combines practical business cases, executive-level discussions, and hands-on learning. This year’s cohort maintained an attendance rate of 80–85% and included 54% C-level executives, 24% startup founders, and 22% middle managers, representing a diverse cross-section of Moldova’s business community.

Congratulations to all the graduates. By investing in executive education and leadership development, the Startup Moldova Mini MBA is helping build a stronger, more innovative, and more competitive business community in Moldova.