“WhatWorks: Finance for Your Business” Connects Moldovan Entrepreneurs with Funding Opportunities

More than 100 entrepreneurs from across Moldova gathered at GLIA Impact Hub on April 30 for “WhatWorks: Finance for Your Business,” a practical event dedicated to helping businesses better understand and access financing opportunities. Organized as part of the XY E-commerce Incubator: Marketing Booster series, the event focused on equipping entrepreneurs with the knowledge, connections, and tools needed to finance business growth.

The event brought together founders, financial institutions, investors, development partners, and business support organizations, creating a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration. Through expert discussions, real-world case studies, and networking opportunities, participants explored practical approaches to securing the capital needed to scale their businesses.

The agenda featured four thematic sessions covering the full range of financing options available to Moldovan entrepreneurs. Experts from maib, ProCredit Bank, and FinComBank discussed banking products and strategies for improving access to credit. Representatives from UMAEF, the Organization for Entrepreneurship Development (OED), and GIZ presented grant opportunities, investment mechanisms, and best practices for developing competitive funding applications.

Participants also explored alternative financing models through discussions on angel investing and crowdfunding led by Mozaic and Fagura, while entrepreneurs from Pearl Code and Sirius shared practical examples of how blended finance—combining multiple funding sources—can support business expansion while managing risk.

By the end of the event, participants had gained a stronger understanding of the financing landscape, identified practical next steps for raising capital, and established valuable connections with financial institutions, investors, and ecosystem partners.

Through its participation in initiatives such as the XY E-commerce Incubator, UMAEF continues to support entrepreneurship by expanding access to capital, strengthening financial literacy, and helping Moldovan businesses build the resources needed for sustainable growth.