Tiraspol: How EU funds helped one woman launch a uniform business
The Covid-19 pandemic proved to be a time of both severe challenges and unexpected reinvention for many.
For Iulia Cernobrivcenko, an entrepreneur from Tiraspol, it became the perfect opportunity to launch her own business.
With the support of her mother, an experienced seamstress, and her background in economics, Ms Cernobrivcenko opened a tailoring workshop. She initially started by sewing masks, but today her workshop produces hundreds of uniforms for workers in the medical, food service, and beauty sectors.
To get the venture started, Ms Cernobrivcenko began following the activities of the Business HUB in Tiraspol, a community for future entrepreneurs. Training there helped her acquire the necessary skills to launch the venture.
"Following an analysis," she said, "we found that doctors spend a significant portion of their lives at work. They need comfortable, quality clothing that ensures a sense of well-being and comfort."
Ms Cernobrivcenko's mother is a theatre costume designer at a local theatre. Having vast experience in tailoring, she decided to support her daughter.
"We sewed masks in large quantities and took on many orders. After that, we moved to individual orders, and gradually understood that we needed to do something else. We realised that we are capable of more."
In 2024, Ms Cernobrivcenko developed her business with financial support of around €17,000 from the European Union (EU). This investment allowed her to create jobs. Now, her workshop produces work uniforms for specialists in the beauty, public food service, and healthcare sectors.
"We received equipment like linear sewing machines and overlock machines, without which our work would be impossible. They allow us to produce high-quality medical uniforms and protective items, thanks to the special seams made with this equipment," she stated.
Galina Bezprozvannaia joined the team a year ago, with experience working at a large company in the textile industry.
"The equipment is good. For me, as a seamstress, the machinery is very important for sewing quickly and with quality."
Ms Cernobrivcenko plans new investments in equipment that will automate processes and optimise the workshop's activity. Supporting young entrepreneurs and the business environment is part of a broader effort by the EU and UNDP to consolidate confidence and promote economic development on both banks of the Dniester River. The total value of support offered for business development in the region is nearly €530,000.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
