In a remarkable partnership, IOM Romania and BCR Social Finance launched a grants programme in April 2024 aimed at supporting small businesses owned by Ukrainian refugees and Romanian citizens employing Ukrainian refugees. This initiative, generously funded by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, has provided vital financial resources to entrepreneurs across Romania, helping them launch and expand businesses while creating job opportunities for Ukrainian refugees.

The collaboration

The grant application process attracted 160 submissions, which were carefully evaluated by BCR Social Finance using a custom-developed assessment grid. After careful selection, the top 15 businesses were chosen to receive grants. IOM Romania worked closely with the beneficiaries, providing continuous support through consultations, documentation, and the facilitation of the grant process.

Launching and growing businesses

In July 2024, IOM Romania and BCR Social Finance organized an online consultation session for the grant recipients. This session offered beneficiaries a chance to receive expert advice on business plans and financial management. Following this, IOM Romania began monitoring the impact of the grants on businesses, as well as the influence of these businesses on the local community. Additionally, IOM Romania tracked the progress of the businesses to ensure they used the grants effectively and that their businesses were growing in alignment with their business plans.

Success stories from the field

IOM Romania has shared numerous success stories via social media, showcasing how these businesses have flourished with the help of the grants.

Tulcea

• Zhorzheta and Liliana used the grant to rent and equip a new office space for their custom digital printing business. The grant also helped them set up a professional website and launch marketing efforts. Since then, their business have been receiving orders and is steadily growing, with plans to expand further.

Galați

• Mykola, the owner of Human Capital Projects SRL, used the grant to enhance his consultancy business. He purchased a laptop and developed a professional website, allowing him to offer public relations and communication services. Mykola’s innovative solutions are now helping local businesses grow both regionally and within the EU.

Suceava

• Owner of Homemade Food for You SRL, Rostyslav used his grant to cover rent and promote his business online, enabling him to reach a wider audience, increase sales and expand production, offering traditional Ukrainian frozen foods. His business is thriving, reaching more customers, and bringing the flavors of Ukrainian cuisine to Romania.

• The founder of ECO DESIGN SRL, Oana used her grant to hire a Ukrainian refugee and upgrade her medical optics equipment. The business has flourished, and Oana’s investment in her equipment and workspace has contributed to her growth, providing more jobs and enhancing her services.

Cluj-Napoca

• The administrators of Space No. 7, Olena and Kateryna, have made remarkable progress with their multi-service business, which includes cooking courses, a photography studio, and an event space. Thanks to the grant, they secured office space, equipped and decorated itand created a new set of services that are attracting a growing number of clients. They plan to host even larger workshops and events, continuing to expand their business in Cluj-Napoca.
• The founder of SO Science HUB, Olga used her grant to purchase new, advanced equipment, which allowed her to deliver enhanced 3D modelling and graphic design courses. These upgrades have made her classes more interactive and valuable, helping her students gain important digital skills needed in today’s job market.
• Olena and Oleksandr yoga and physiotherapy business is flourishing with the help of the grant. They secured a professional space, invested in equipment, and created job opportunities in Cluj-Napoca. As demand for their services grows, Olena and Oleksandr plan to expand their business to help even more people embrace wellness and healing.
• The owner of Universal Building Services SRL, Evghenii used the grant to buy new equipment and create a modern website. This expansion has allowed him to offer more services, reach additional clients, and hire more Ukrainian refugees, increasing his business’s visibility and helping integrate refugees into the local workforce.
• Nadiia and Andrii used their grant to open a business offering traditional Ukrainian cuisine. With their investment in equipment and securing a location, they are now providing catering and delivery services in Romania. Their business has allowed them to bring a piece of Ukraine to Romania while contributing to local employment.

Brașov

• The founder of Talina Prima Decor, Alina used the grant to buy new sewing and embroidery machines, expanding her tailoring business and increasing production capacity. She also hired additional staff, including a Ukrainian refugee, and plans to hire more employees from both Ukraine and Romania, creating a diverse and inclusive workforce.

• Administrators of INCAM Development SRL, Pavel and Kateryna used the grant to purchase essential equipment, enabling their construction company to take on larger projects. With the new equipment, they have secured several new contracts and are employing more Ukrainian workers, contributing significantly to the local economy.

Bucharest

• Founded by Serhii and Yuliia, Homezzi Group specializes in producing customized high-quality furniture. The grant provided essential support, allowing them to scale production and reach a wider customer base. With growing demand and a larger workforce, Homezzi Group continues to thrive and contribute to the local economy.

• Anna, a psychologist and psychotherapist, provides stabilization support groups for Ukrainians. The grant enabled Anna to hire two staff members who assist with daily tasks, strengthening her ability to support her clients. Anna’s office continues to serve as a vital resource for Ukrainian refugees in Bucharest, helping them cope with the challenges of displacement.
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• Liudmyla, the owner of Healthy Skin Lab, a well-established cosmetology clinic with over 18 years of experience, has made remarkable advancements thanks to the grant. During our visit, we saw firsthand how Liudmyla had used the funding to purchase new products, expand her service offerings, and establish an online presence with a newly developed website. The expansion of services has already started yielding positive results, and Liudmyla continues to enhance her reputation in the local community.

Video miniseries - showcasing business successes

To celebrate the progress of the grant recipients, IOM Romania created a series of videos that highlight the businesses' journeys. These videos showcase the hard work, perseverance, and innovation of entrepreneurs in cities like Bucharest, Tulcea, Galați, Suceava, Cluj-Napoca, and Brasov. The videos highlight how each business has transformed since receiving the grant, focusing on their growth, new job opportunities, and contributions to the local community.

Looking ahead

The grants have not only helped individual entrepreneurs but have also contributed to the overall economic integration of Ukrainian refugees into Romanian society. As IOM continues to monitor the progress of these businesses, we remain committed to offering ongoing support and celebrating the success stories that have emerged from this initiative.

IOM Romania is grateful to the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration for supporting this program and to BCR Social Finance for its partnership in making these dreams a reality. We look forward to seeing how these businesses continue to thrive and contribute to their local communities.