In a world driven by innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, students stand to gain greatly from resources and platforms designed to help them grow as future business leaders. In this context, the Department of Economics and Management within the UTM Faculty of Economic Engineering and Business organized the National Business Plan Contest “Competitiveness and Innovations in Youth Business Development,” as part of the Erasmus+ project “Skills4future – Developing and improving the STEAM skills of students and teachers for curriculum innovation and sustainable development of higher education institutions and local businesses,” overseen by Associate Professor Dr. Elena Fleacă from the Polytechnic University of Bucharest, project coordinator, and Professor Dr. Aurelia Litvin from UTM, institutional project coordinator.
Now at its second edition, dedicated to the 60th anniversary of UTM, the competition aims to promote the entrepreneurial talent of students and master’s candidates. As stated by UTM’s Vice-Rector for Research and Doctoral Studies, Professor Dr. Vasile Tronciu, there is an absolute necessity for the involvement of young people in developing robust and commercially viable business plans.
The competition registered the submission of 22 business plans and a substantial turnout of students from various universities and colleges specializing in economics, including:
- Technical University of Moldova,
- Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova,
- Moldova State University,
- “Alecu Russo” University of Bălți,
- “Bogdan Petriceicu Hasdeu” University of Cahul,
- Center of Excellence in Horticulture and Agricultural Technologies from Țaul.
The active participation of institutions in this project underscores the growing interest in developing entrepreneurial skills and exploring new business opportunities.
The works were assessed by the competition jury, consisting of European partners from the Skills4future project, as well as the event sponsors:
- Prof. Dr. habil. Elena Fleacă, from Politehnica University of Bucharest, Romania,
- Prof. Dr. habil. Andrzej Marcinkowski, from Lodz University of Technology, Poland,
- Sorin Burlacu, from the Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies, Romania,
- Alexander Picker, President of BC Moldindconbank SA,
- Corneliu Iovu, Head of the Credit Department at OCN “Prima Finanțare” LLC.
The faculty members responsible for bridging the connection with the business environment in the Republic of Moldova for the organization of the competition were Stela Cucoș, Dean of FIEB and Head of the Department of Economics and Management, Associate Professor Dr. Rina Țurcan, and Associate Professor Dr. Andrei Zbancă.
The presented business plans covered a wide range of sectors, each work being marked by a high level of originality and requiring varying degrees of resources for implementation. However, all works aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.
All submitted proposals were categorized according to their economic, social, and environmental impacts. This classification enabled the identification of standout plans within each category, thus facilitating the subsequent nomination and awarding of the most outstanding works. The awarding ceremony was made possible thanks to the support of the event sponsors.
The 1st place was claimed by the authors of the “InTouch” business plan, in the Environmental category – Nicoleta POCIUMBAN, Cătălin CAPMARI, Dina LAȘCO, Daniela ROMAN, Alex ALCAZ, Andreea MOLDOVANU, Vasile GROZAVU, and Nichita CĂPĂȚINĂ, students enrolled in the Business and Administration program at the Technical University of Moldova. Prize: 5,000 lei.
The 2nd place was won by the authors of the “WeDecide” business plan, in the Social category – Adrian FLOREA, Laura VULPE, Mădălina ȘTIRBU, Cristian SEINIC, and Gabriela NUNU, students of the Moldova State University. Prize: 3,000 lei.
The 3rd place went to the authors of the “Launch of a milk processing line” business plan, in the Economic category – Victor GARBUZ, Aculina CHIRILENCO, Eduard РАNЕА, Elena MUNTEANU, students of the “Bogdan Petriceicu Hasdeu” State University of Cahul. Prize: 2,000 lei.
The organizing committee awarded business proposals that excelled in accordance with specific criteria:
- Most original business idea – 2,000 lei,
- Most innovative and digitalized business idea – 2,000 lei,
- Most complex business idea with product value chain integration – 2,000 lei,
- Simplest business idea to implement – 2,000 lei,
- Most environmentally friendly and sustainable business idea – 2,000 lei.
The organizers highlight several key reasons why this competition holds significance:
Development of Entrepreneurial Competencies: The competition provides students with the opportunity to refine their skills in business planning, conduct thorough market analyses, and effectively articulate their ideas.
Promotion of Talent: The platform helps aspiring students to showcase their innovative ideas and gain recognition for their hard work.
Building Relationships and Partnerships: The event facilitates the establishment of meaningful connections and collaborations among students, academic institutions, and the business community.
The National Business Plan Competition provides participants with a platform not just to exhibit their creativity and practical skills but also to lay the groundwork for successful careers in the business sector. This competition represents an essential step in preparing students and postgraduates for the challenges and opportunities of an ever-evolving world.
We extend our profound gratitude to all those who contributed to the realization of this exceptional event – the official sponsors of the Competition, B.C. “Moldindconbank” SA and OCN “Prima Finanțare” LLC. We also thank the Agrobiznes and DIEZ.md portals, alongside TV Moldova and Radio Moldova, for their support as media sponsors of the event. Their involvement has been invaluable in ensuring the success of this contest.
Congratulations to all the participants and winners of the Business Plan Competition!
