For Iulia Cernobrivcenko, the pandemic became more than a period of uncertainty — it marked the beginning of a family-run business built on trust, resilience and European support. Based in Tiraspol and on maternity leave at the time, Iulia began thinking seriously about long-term stability for her family. Together with her mother, she turned a simple idea into a growing enterprise with the help of European Union under its EU4Business Initiative.
An economist by training, Iulia partnered with her mother, Victoria Pirogova, an experienced seamstress and costume designer at a local theatre. Their different professional backgrounds proved to be a strength: Iulia manages the financial and organisational side of the business, while Victoria brings craftsmanship and years of hands-on experience.
“At first, we were sewing protective masks in large quantities,” Iulia recalls. “Later, we started taking individual orders. Gradually, we realised we had the potential to grow and do much more.”
Victoria remembers how naturally the idea developed. “I was already sewing custom orders at home, and when my daughter went on maternity leave, I suggested we try working together. I wanted her to have a stable future. Step by step, the business began to take shape.”
A key moment in their journey came when Iulia discovered the Business HUB in Tiraspol — the first entrepreneurship support centre in the region, established in 2022 under the EU4Business Confidence Building Measures Programme, which is implemented by the United Nations Development Program in Moldova. By attending training sessions, workshops and networking events, Iulia gained essential business skills and, just as importantly, the confidence to move forward.
“The Business HUB felt like a school for entrepreneurs,” Iulia says. “It helped me understand the market, connect with others and believe that our idea could truly succeed.”
Through this process, Iulia identified a clear market need: professional clothing for medical staff. “Doctors spend most of their lives at work. They need comfortable, durable and high-quality uniforms that support them throughout long shifts.”
What began at home with just two sewing machines soon evolved into a growing enterprise called Fatin. In 2024, with approximately €17,000 in EU4Business support from the European Union, Iulia was able to expand her operations significantly. The funding allowed her to move production into a modern, fully equipped workshop.
“We received industrial sewing and overlock machines, a zigzag and piping machine, a professional embroidery machine, as well as a steam generator and ironing table,” Iulia explains. “This equipment made it possible to produce at a professional level and maintain high quality standards.”
The investment also led to job creation. Galina Bezprozvannaia, who joined the team after working for a large textile company, highlights the difference: “Reliable equipment is essential. It allows us to work efficiently and deliver consistently high-quality products.”
Today, the workshop produces workwear for healthcare professionals, beauty specialists and food service staff, gradually building a strong presence in the local market. Alongside financial support and mentoring, Iulia has also received assistance in developing the company’s visual identity, helping the business stand out and reach new customers. She is currently preparing a specialised product catalogue to showcase the workshop’s growing range.
Looking to the future, Iulia plans further investment in automation to optimise production and increase capacity.
Her story forms part of a wider effort by the European Union and UNDP to support young entrepreneurs, strengthen the business environment and promote economic development on both sides of the Nistru River. To date, more than €529,000 has been invested in developing the local business ecosystem.
Iulia’s journey is a powerful example of how determination, family cooperation and EU4Business support can turn a small home-based initiative into a sustainable business with lasting impact.
