Bucharest, Romania [ADRA Romania, CD EUDNews]. March 5, 2015.
ADRA Romania received approval for non-refundable European financing worth 2 million euros through the Sectoral Operational Program Human Resources Development (SOPHRD) for “Promoting an Entrepreneurial Culture” – “Romania Start-up”.
ADRA Romania project “Step-by-step in business – Entrepreneurship for Youth from the areas of South-West Oltenia and Bucharest-Ilfov”, was submitted on November 23, 2014 and received 83.5 points out of 100. On Thursday, February 5, 2015, SOPHRD and ADRA Romania signed the contract for the non-refundable European financing.
The project consolidates the economic development acknowledging the Human Resources researched by ADRA Romania in the last few years.
ADRA Romania Director, Robert Georgescu, stated, “It was very touching to sign the contract since we had waited such a long time. It has been a challenge and this was a breakthrough and a first for ADRA Romania. The entire team received the news with great joy. We rejoice when we think of the many beneficiaries who will gain not only financial support but also advice in choosing and developing a business, benefiting both families and society.”
“It is an important moment for our agency. We have been capitalizing on public and private funding opportunities, but the European funding has been left unexplored. After receiving the approval for “Step-by-step in business”, ADRA Romania has the challenge that was hoped for, to increase both to entrepreneurial initiatives and boost the organization along with the help of the partners. The funding approval request for “Step-by-step” represents one of the phases in the process of organizational development. We appreciate the trust of the experts in the partnership, in the team and in the project”, highlighted Valentina Cozorici, Project Manager for ADRA Romania.
“Step-by-step”, created by the Adventist Development and Relief Agency – ADRA Romania and its partners, R4 – Professional Consulting and Training, RESPIRO Association and the foundation “Resource Center for Education and Professional Training CREFOP, all of these fall into the European Youth Employment Strategy.
The overall objective is to promote an entrepreneurial culture among 400 young adults, in particular those who want to start an independent business. The project is targeting mainly 18-25 year-old university students, providing counseling, professional training and assistance before and after establishing about 40 companies in Bucharest-Ilfov and South-West Oltenia. Another goal is in creating at least 80 new jobs. In the long run, these objectives would bring economic, social and cultural benefits to our country.