Alexei Onoico opened the «Autoklas» driving school in Balti city 12 years ago out of a desire to provide future drivers with maximum training and confidence at the wheel, and now it is among the leaders in the field.

The performance is due to the innovative approach in the study process, with the use of leading technologies, including VR simulations, the special attention given to the preparation of each future driver and many other factors. Year by year, the driving school is expanding, helping countless people each year to prepare to drive independently.

Now, Alexei Onoico is determined to expand his business all over the country, and the first step was to increase the car fleet with the help of Moldindconbank, within the framework of the “373” Government Program.

You recently became a beneficiary of the “373” Program. What have you invested the money in obtained through the government program, which Moldindconbank joined?

We bought new cars for the school, which means we increased our fleet. Also thanks to this program, we managed to create more than 10 new jobs. In the future, we plan to make further investments to continue to develop the business.

What determined you to become the 373 Program’s beneficiary?

First, it was Moldindconbank’s proficiency. I must admit that until we came to this collaboration, we were clients of another banking institution. We have over 60 employees, which is quite a big company, especially for the city of Balti. It is often necessary to make quick decisions for a successful business. That is why we chose to become Moldindconbank’s clients. As for the “373” Program, we were attracted by its conditions and the fact that all the necessary paperwork was done quickly. We did not receive an offer for just one program, which is a practice used by other banking institutions, but a list of financing offers, including the “373” Program, where you can also receive support from the state. Therefore, if previously we were offered financial resources to buy 5-6 cars, now we have the possibility to buy 10 cars.

What do you appreciate most in working with Moldindconbank?

The team’s operability in approving decisions, the openness and honesty shown by the employees of the banking institution. These qualities are very important in business development. Another factor is the possibility of business development and access to various services of Moldindconbank without limits. On top of that, we need favorable loans so that we can create new jobs and people can work at home. The partnership with Moldindconbank gives us the opportunity to be the best in our field of activity.

Is “Autoklas” the biggest school in Balti city and in the region?

Yes, more than 1,300 students graduate from the driving school every year. We have over 60 employees and over 43 cars in our fleet. Compared to other institutions, with over 25 cars in the fleet, our company has twice as many cars. We are not only leaders in terms of service, but also in terms of our students’ results after graduation. We are leaders in the Northern region and at the top across the country.

Until the fleet was increased, how was the work process organized? What has changed due to the acquisition?

The increase in the number of cars has resulted in the creation of new jobs, which is also an advantage for the state, as taxes, social services are paid. For business, it is a possibility to increase turnover and invest in the activity. When we had fewer cars, smaller staff, smaller premises. Now, obviously, everything has changed because of cooperation with Moldindconbank. A year ago, we had an office with an area of 180 square meters. Now we are managing a 350 square meter office. As a result, the number of employees has increased, the income is higher, and this allows us to invest in business development.

How did the idea of opening the driving school come about? 

I worked for a while as an inspector at the Balti Public Services Agency, Car registration section. I was young; I started working at the age of 22. Attending driving license exams, I noticed that people were always stressed at the wheel. Later I tried to work as a driving instructor in a specialized school, I realized that I liked what I was doing and that is where it all started. Initially I was also an instructor, and then others came. After 12 years of activity, we have 43 driving instructors, 6 teachers, 2 doctors, as well as 6 people in charge of administration and technical side.

What difficulties have you encountered in developing your business? 

Bureaucracy and legislation issues. There is a lot of bureaucracy that sometimes hinders business development. Why do I like working with Moldindconbank? Because many decisions are made quickly. In addition to what we have been able to do, we can create a few more jobs, which will allow some families to stay in the country.

What motivates you every day to work and develop in this field? What inspires you?

Together with Moldindconbank, but also due to this program, we want to expand and open the largest driving school in Chisinau, Orhei and Ungheni. This is what motivates me now. If you noticed, we do not have any billboards around the city. Compared to other schools in the country, we use virtual reality technology so that students learn to drive already in the classroom. We are also filming with drones and specialists are making a virtual map of the city. We have reached another level and we plan to develop and expand this project throughout the country. Although Balti is considered the second largest city in the country, the municipality is still a provincial one. However, such technologies do not yet exist in the country.

What are the factors that help you deliver quality studies?   

Discipline is the main factor. There are different departments in our school and each has its own area of responsibility. Seven professionals train every student – this is what makes us the best. That is also, why we manage to perform so well.

What advice would you give to people who want to develop their own business?

Take a risk, because any credit is a risk. In fact, starting a business in Moldova is a risk, unfortunately. However, if you do not take risks, then you will not know are you successful or not. You always have to rely only on your own capabilities. Apart from financial capital to start a business, you need time and patience. I started with just one car, I was an instructor, and after 10 years, I managed to build a business worth millions. There is no such thing as something that cannot be done, you just have to try to do it right.

About 373 Program

The 373 Government Program to support entrepreneurs was launched in the summer of 2023. Its aim is to stimulate economic growth and the entrepreneurial environment by financially supporting investment projects and business expansion. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the Government of the Republic of Moldova through the “373” Program by accessing loans through banking institutions. Moldindconbank, which has joined the program, offers up to MDL 15 000 000 or the equivalent in USD/EUR, for a term of up to 7 years, with an annual interest rate of 7% for the loan in lei and 3% in foreign currency and a grace period of up to 3 years. The own contribution constitutes only 10% of the value of the investment project. The applicant is exempted from bank fees related to the loan, the early repayment fee is 0% and no pre-approval from state institutions is required.