More than 200 jobs have been created in South West Romania, and more than 600 entrepreneurs have received nationally recognised training, thanks to a project created and delivered with the help of the European Social Fund (ESF). 

Entrepreneur 2020 was the initiated by Romania's 'Centre for Consultancy and Project Management EUROPROJECT' Association. The idea was to encourage entrepreneurship and self-employment by supporting a range of new, non-agricultural start-up enterprises – from waste recycling and cleaning services to dental practices and beauty parlours.  

The project aimed to train 600 people in entrepreneurship skills over three years, with training recognised by the National Qualifications Authority – and it beat this target with 631 people graduating from the scheme. 

Graduate Maria-Mihaela Dinoiu now runs Adezmax Autoserv SRL, a car maintenance workshop in Târgu Jiu. She says, 'I am really glad that I attended these courses of entrepreneurial skills where I met great people who helped me to take the first steps towards this business. [They] guided us, gave us ideas, supported us and […] continue to support us.' 

As well as offering training and support, Entrepreneur 2020 held a business plan competition for graduates. More than 170 business plans were received, and the top 75 received financing to take their ideas forward. 

All 73 new businesses have now been set up and almost all of them have implemented their plans successfully, with just a few having activities temporarily suspended due to Covid restrictions. 

The original aim of Entrepreneur 2020 was to create 150 new jobs in the region. Despite the pandemic, it has achieved this target and created 208 new jobs. 

Aerobics instructor Laura Costina Sandu developed the Gym4You Kangoo Studio in Drobeta-Turnu Severin with the help of Entrepreneur 2020. She says, "I am very happy and indeed I have managed to achieve what I never thought possible!