A first for Romania: crowdfunding and European funds working together to finance entrepreneurs in the North-West Region More and more entrepreneurs start out with strong ideas, enthusiasm, and the desire to build something meaningful. However, securing the funding needed to take the first step remains a major challenge. Crowdfunding—raising smaller amounts from many people who believe in an idea—can often be part of the solution. Building on this principle, the North-West Regional Development Agency (ADR Nord-Vest) has launched, for the first time in Romania, a matchfunding mechanism that links community support with access to European funding. In short, ideas that convince the public to contribute financially can also receive additional public funding. The initiative is implemented through the CROWD4SME-NW pilot call, developed by ADR Nord-Vest in partnership with the crowdfunding platform consolid8. Its goal is simple: to offer entrepreneurs in the North-West Region a more accessible and realistic pathway to turn their ideas into reality. Community support first, European funds next This new mechanism proposes a different approach compared to traditional financing. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to present their ideas directly to the public, explain them clearly, test them in real conditions, and assess whether there is genuine market interest. When people choose to support a project, it signals that the idea responds to a real need. This market validation then becomes the foundation for accessing a second stage of European funding. Public funds therefore complement community support—rather than replacing it—helping build businesses that are better grounded in real-world demand. 11 entrepreneurs pilot this new financing model As part of Romania’s first matchfunding pilot call, 11 entrepreneurs from the North-West Region have launched crowdfunding campaigns on consolid8.ro. Through these campaigns, they showcase their products and services, build communities of supporters and early customers, and test their ideas before taking larger steps forward. The campaigns follow a reward-based crowdfunding model, meaning contributors receive something in return, such as products, services, early access, special packages, or unique experiences. Entrepreneurs have up to 48 days to raise at least €10,000. The first five projects to reach this threshold may then receive up to an additional €10,000 in European funding through the North-West Regional Programme. Diverse projects with real impact The campaigns launched under the CROWD4SME-NW call span a wide range of fields—from technology and health to education, sustainability, and social initiatives: CityButler – a 24/7 digital assistant for tourists and hotels Strategium – “your personal doctor”, an AI solution for second medical opinions DotTrim – an AI-powered video editing assistant RongoFoam – biomimetic materials for healthier construction Up the Mountains – outdoor experiences with social impact AI Education for Children and Teenagers – educational programs focused on artificial intelligence Tiny Hearts. Big Care. Living Kindness Simply – a social initiative supporting single mothers Rainbow Urban Lab – an urban pedagogical garden for non-formal education Carul cu Miere – an apitherapy and relaxation space in Maramureș Lemongras – a smart cold-chain monitoring solution for HoReCa and retail Medicalo Materna – a digital guide for mothers and families navigating the medical system All campaigns can be discovered and supported on www.consolid8.ro until February 28, 2026. A pilot project with European support The CROWD4SME-NW pilot call is implemented by ADR Nord-Vest within the European project CROWDFUNDMATCH – Unlocking the Crowdfunding Potential for European Structural and Investment Funds, funded through the Interreg Europe Programme 2021–2027. Through this initiative, ADR Nord-Vest is testing more flexible, entrepreneur-friendly financing instruments that place community involvement and real market needs at the center. It represents an important step toward a more open, accessible, and adaptable funding ecosystem. 👉 More information about the CROWD4SME-NW call: https://www.consolid8.ro/content/1/crowd4sme-nw