A prize pool of BGN 30,000 will forward the development of the three best business ideas of NGOs

By 20th June 2014 the civil organizations which develop or intend to develop economic activity to support their missions and goals may join the Social Entrepreneurship Programme for Non-Profit Organizations 2014/2015.

The programme is organized for the fourth time by the Bulgarian Center for Not-for-Profit Law (www.bcnl.org), the Programme and Analytical Centre for European Law (PACEL) Foundation and UniCredit Foundation, with the support of America for Bulgaria Foundation.

It has three stages:

• Training workshops, where the participating NGOs become familiar with the main topics associated with the development of an idea and the drawing up of a business plan, along with examples of a successful social business in Bulgaria; active contributors as trainers in the programme are representatives of UniCredit Bulbank.

• Development of own business plans with the support of the consultants in the programme;

• Competition for the best NGO business plan, where the distinguished projects will be granted funding.

The prize pool of the competition in its 2014/2015 edition is BGN 30,000 ensured by UniCredit Foundation and America for Bulgaria Foundation. Which are the best business ideas of the NGOs will be determined by an independent jury made up of representatives of the business at the beginning of 2015.

The social entrepreneurship programme encourages NGOs to search for crossing points between their own social goals and the development of business ideas which can ensure them not only financial resources but can also directly contribute to the achievement of their goals. Globally, the carrying out of business activity is one of the main sources of funding for the activities of the civil organizations.

The 2013/2014 programme was joined by 24 organizations, of which seven reached the final and presented their business plans to the honorable jury made up of business leaders and potential investors. At a special ceremony the winner, Transformers Association, received the prize of BGN 12,000. The jury awarded two second prizes (of BGN 9,000) to Protection, Love and Faith Association, Targovishte, and Hug Me Association, Sofia.

Details about the social entrepreneurship programme 2014/2015 are available at trainings.bcnl.org.

For contacts:

Lyuben Panov, T: 02/9816617, Е: mvcfoAcdom/psh

Svetlana Todorova, Т: 0877/929529, Е: twfumbobAcdom/psh