Events

Aliona Domentean in the town of Chisinau and Liliana Artene in the town of Călărași each run a business – the first in the production and application of floors and the second in the provision of vehicle repair and maintenance services. What unites the two businesses is that both have benefitted from the Programme’s support ‘APPARENTLY 1 + 1’and first-degree relatives, working abroad, have entrusted their investments to develop business while promoting EU standards in Moldova.

Nano-Decor: Resources ‘APPARENTLY 1 + 1’ helped us stay on the market

The application of industrial and decorative, polished concrete and anti-slip flooring is a widespread practice in EU countries, which is becoming known also in the Republic of Moldova. For more than four years, the company Nano-Decor in Chisinau has been doing this work and is in fact among the pioneers in this area in our country. The company’s director, Aliona Domentean, launched the business in 2010 and in 2012 asked for the programme’s support ‘APPARENTLY 1 + 1’it has been helped by the socratic parents who have been working in Italy for many years and who have in fact brought this technology to our country. “We used our resources ‘APPARENTLY 1 + 1’ as the business was going through a complicated period. We had already made considerable investments of over one million lei, and at some point we felt that there was a risk that we would no longer withstand the market. The RON 200 million provided by ‘APPARENTLY 1 + 1’ they allowed us to purchase two floor polishers and two industrial vacuum cleaners, which help us increase profitability, lower costs and automate the process,” says the business master.

The new flooring systems, which can be applied in industrial, sports, offices or apartments, are much more resilient than the traditional ones used in the Republic of Moldova, such as sandstone, parquet or linoleum. “We apply industrial systems to clean spaces such as garages, agricultural warehouses and fridges, production halls, car parks. The cost of such floor coverings ranges from EUR 8 to EUR 50. In sport, we use new technologies for gyms, tennis tents, basins, etc. In offices or apartments we use decorative systems, with prices ranging from EUR 35 to EUR 90/m². These are a good heat conductor, resistant to pedestrian, ecological and anti-bacterial traffic,” says Aliona Domentean.

When asked about the profitability of the business, the company director notes that “if he had not been profitable, he would probably not have started such an activity”. “There are nuances that I have learned from the way I go, and I now manage the business in every respect – from finance and accounting, concluding contracts with suppliers to discussing customer preferences. We have big plans, we plan to increase the number of customers, we plan to bring innovative paving systems, in other words we are always looking for something new. Yes, it is not simple nor easy, but any business needs time. We have become a known name on the market and it would be a shame to stop us. In addition, beyond the financial investment, a lot of soul has been deposited ", says the company’s director.

Vasile Pohontu, one of Nano-Decor’s six employees, says that working in the company for four years has not only provided him with a stable job, but also offers him personal satisfaction. “It is a pleasure to see how people react and appreciate what you do. This sense of fulfilment is extremely important to us,” says the employee.

Pro Clas Service: Quality and comfort of service

A modern Automotive Service Centre, Pro Clas Service, has been operating on the outskirts of Calarasi for one year. The investment of more than one million lei was used for the construction of the building of about 320 m², it has an office, where oils, tyres, discs, oil filters, etc. can be procured, a room adequately equipped for the simultaneous repair of three cars, and a car laundry. As a result, drivers can benefit from a wide range of services so that their car is always in good condition.

Resources obtained through the Programme ‘APPARENTLY 1 + 1’in the amount of RON 200 thousand, they were used to procure the equipment and doors of the building. “What’s more, a popular talk says – when it comes to you – that it would have been a shame not to benefit from these investments if the state only offered you to work,” says Sergiu Artene, Liliana Artene’s husband.

A professional lawyer, Sergiu Artene, who has learned from scratch what it means to work in the field of car services, nevertheless feels a bitter-sweet taste when talking about the business. Sweet – because he succeeded with his brother, who works in Italy, in setting up a forward-looking business, including with the support of the programme ‘APPARENTLY 1 + 1’and bitter – because it is not enough just for the state to encourage you to set up a business. “To be successful, it is also necessary to create the conditions that allow you to grow your business. As in any other type of activity, a successful vehicle repair business is dictated by healthy competition. However, this is not the case if the State allows car maintenance services to be provided by private individuals under inappropriate conditions that jeopardise the safety of persons and means of transport. Moreover, no taxes are paid in this case, and those who suffer are not only us, but also the State, "says Sergiu Artene.

Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova, Pirkka Tapiola, says EU aid to the programme ‘APPARENTLY 1 + 1’ it has a decisive role to play in supporting the return of migrants to the homeland. “The project helps reduce migration by motivating people going abroad to return home to start their own business. Since 2010, the EU has invested more than EUR 6 million in this programme, providing support to more than 700 investment projects in the Republic of Moldova, resulting in the creation of more than 1200 jobs. Financing the Programme ‘APPARENTLY 1 + 1’The EU is actually investing in the welfare and development of the country. In order to financially support the project, we want the maximum grant ceiling to be increased. We also want to see a combination of investment capital and business development support, with a focus on agricultural and rural businesses”, opposes Pirkka Tapiola.

Source: http://www.profit.md/articles-ro/number_11_2016/550771/