The 6^th of the July was the last day on which non-government organizations had the chance to apply for participation in the NGO Entrepreneurship Program 2017/2018. 86 ideas for business initiatives were received from 30 towns in the country. The most applications were received from organizations based in Sofia, followed by Varna, Burgas and Haskovo. Applications were also sent from Gabrovo, Gotse Delchev, Kardzhali, Ruse, Shipka, Pernik, Lom, Stara Zagora, Pleven, Sheynovo village, Samokov, Byala Slatina, Dobrich, Lovech, Vidin, Raynovo village, Sevlievo, Asenovgrad, Sliven, Troyan, Kalofer, Stamboliyski, Dryanovo, Mezdra, Harmanli and Veliko Tarnovo. The largest amount of business ideas has been generated by organizations working in the spheres of culture, social activities, assistance for children and youths and health, with another significant share being organizations specializing in education, ecology, sports and the civil society.

Up next is the period in which the participants will be examined and the organizations which are to take part in this year's iteration of the Program are to be selected.
 
The NGO Entrepreneurship Program 2017/2018 includes training for the development of economic activities by non-government organizations, advice for the preparation of their ideas for commencing said activities and participation in the Best NGO Business Plan competition. The winners in the competition will be sharing a prize fund of 40 000 leva and will be able to take part in the Accelerator program, where they can attend monthly meetings and receive expert help and mentorship from industry professionals in order to better develop their business activities. More information about the NGO Entrepreneurship Program 2017/2018 program can be found here.

This year's seventh edition of the program, organized by the Bulgarian Center for Not-for-profit Law is being conducted with the support of the "America for Bulgaria" Foundation and the UniCredit Foundation, and with the partnership of TELUS International Europe.

22 organizations participated in the program in 2016. 5 of them were selected by high-profile jury composed of business leaders.  All organizations that won in the competition received 7 000 leva with which to start developing their ideas. The winners from 2016 are: The "Maria's World" Foundation; The "Eyes on Four Paws" Foundation; The "Animus Association" Foundation; Marine Club "Sea Friends" – Varna; The "IDEA" Association. You can read more about their business ideas here.
 

The Program is being conducted with the support of the "America for Bulgaria" Foundation and the UniCredit Foundation, and with the partnership of