On 16th of December 2022, the closing event of the two-and-a-half-year GoDanuBio project was held at the Townhall in Ghelinta Commune. Mr. Tihamér Sebestyén, as project manager of the Godanubio project presented the achievements and project results, Mr. Lajos Vajda, executive director of the Association of Small- and Medium Size Enterprises of Covasna County (ASIMCOV), president of the Green Energy Innovative Biomass Cluster, and Mr. Attila Varga, - executive director of the Angustia Leader Association - were also invited. Young startuppers mentored by Asimcov were also present, because in 2022, 8 startups were established in Ghelinta Commune.
On the event, Mr. János Ilyés Botond – mayor of Ghelinta Commune- greeted the startuppers and the results of the Godanubio project. The mayor drew attention to the fact that the municipality's task is to provide any help to local entrepreneurs starting their careers and to encourage them to stay at home. According to Dr. Tihamér Sebestyén, the GoDanubio project has helped local entrepreneurs to get new knowledge on circular bioeconomy topics. In frame of the project those who want to start a new green business, it was possible to get mentoring from Asimcov and to get familiar with circular economy principles. Out of 8 new businesses in Ghelința some of them started its business in bioeconomy field. The startups receiving 25,000 to 25,000 euros to setup their workshops and their activities. With financial and professional support, the young people starting their careers in their hometown avoiding their emigration and ensuring the sustainable development of the community.
Mr. Lajos Vajda, the managing director of ASIMCOV, spoke about the fact that 250 people participated in the mentioned mentoring program and out of them 33 new businesses received financial support to start their businesses. The support contracts were already signed with the owners of the winning business plans in the project while 2023 will be the first business year for them. At the county level, there were eight winning applications from Ghelinta, the highest number compare to other rural communities. Mr. Attila Varga informed the participants about the Angustia GAL recent project calls, described the calls available and future calls at Angustia, and encouraged the young generation to think different, highlighting the advantages and opportunities of the coming period between 2023-2027.
Finally, the young entrepreneurs introduced themselves and presented their startups in a nutshell. At the end of the event, Dr. Tihamér Sebestyén thanked the Mayoralty of Ghelința for their courage, not to be afraid of the unknown project – as it was in the very beginning - and encouraged the decision makers to try to open up to the opportunities offered by different body of European Union.
