As a reply to pandemic challenge due to the digitalization of SMEs, under Tekwill entrepreneurship direction, we launched Startup Moldova with direct calls to help SMEs, serving as a platform between IT and non-IT companies to help boost non-tech industries’ assimilation of technological innovation and support cross-industry collaboration based on vertical synergies such as FinTech, WineTech, AgTech, MedTech, Lifestyle, Data sciences, IoT, e-Commerce.
Under the Startup Moldova program, there are 2 programs launched in May to support individual SMEs and provide support to sector challenges- UPGRADE and IMPACT programs.
Under Startup Moldova| Digital UPGRADE, Tekwill envisaged serving as a platform between IT and non-IT companies to help boost non-tech industries assimilation of technological innovation and support cross-industry collaboration based on SMEs needs. We had involved such partners as ODIMM and individual experts to provide consulting services and match providers to non IT businesses to boost digitization.
The intervention had the following objectives:
- Objective #1: Set up the board of experts to facilitate the implementation of initiative;
- Objective #2: Engage with the PS (local SMEs) through thematic dialogues for mapping business needs and opportunities;
- Objective #3: Identify possible entry points of support for the SMEs;
- Objective #4: Prepare a value proposition for mobilizing funds for SME support projects, based on the identified entry points.
The process consisted of identifying 70 key IT providers and 49 SMEs. At the same time, we were collecting available quantitative data from 43 companies, preparing a detailed concept or the thematic dialogues and interview questionnaire for them, and organizing virtual thematic sessions guiding participants and follow-up sessions with these companies. Overall, there were 18 SMEs matched with 40 existing solutions. They were provided educational and entrepreneurship support through Startup Academy. As a result of the selection, 17 companies are benefiting from the program, with an overall budget of 22690EUR, covering IT solutions for SMEs.
The beneficiaries of Startup Moldova Digital Upgrade are:
- Agro-Vet Consulting SRL
- Arboretum Live
- Audit expert SRL
- BAA Bunescu Oleg
- CI VED-MAR AGRO
- Cluster Serpentina Nistru
- EWP Outsourcing SRL
- Extra-Kids SRL
- GoAdventure
- GS Modern Mobila SRL
- Ju Bijoux SRL
- Lumparf Cosmetic SRL
- Masterdent
- Micu & Co SRL
- Pomusoara Dulcisoara SRL
- Smartic Club
- Stomodeum
