In support of the companies in Sofia listed below are several current opportunities for participation in growth and development programmes and B2B events.
The application for the Dare to Scale growth programme by the global entrepreneurial network Endeavor has started. The four-month programme focuses on businesses from all sectors that have passed their early development phase and are now in a growth stage. Partners in the programme are Post Bank, Software Group and the Executive Agency for Small and Medium Enterprises (EASME). Companies with up to 150 employees and a minimum turnover of BGN 200 000 for the past year can apply. They are expected to work on products or services that are already on the market and have potential for global growth. The interviews with the pre-selected enterprises will be held in May. The programme starts in September and will be held in hybrid format – online sessions and live events in Sofia, aimed at building skills in four main areas: management, marketing, sales, business planning and raising capital. Each company will have its own individual mentor from the Endeavor network. Applicationcan be submitted on the website of the programme here.
By 23 April, companies from the manufacturing and supply chain in the fashion industry, logistics, production, online trade and textile filelds can submit applications for participation in the B2B event Fashion Match Supply 2021. It will take place online between 26-30 April and will include seminars, discussions and free bilateral business meetings on a preliminary statement of interest. Registration can be made at https://fashion-match-supply-2021.b2match.io/. The Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry provides assistance to companies that are interested in participating. More information is available here.
By 24 April, the Executive Agency for Small and Medium Enterprises (EASME) will accept applications for participation in ANUGA 2021 – the largest food industry exhibition in the world, held every two years in Cologne, Germany. This year, the forum is scheduled for 9-13.10.2021, but because of the complicated pandemic situation, fewer participants will be allowed. The international participation in the exhibition is over 50 % and for visitors – more than 80 %. The event presents global trends and innovations in the sector and provides opportunities for B2B contacts. EASME shall bear part of the costs for the participation of exhibitors from Bulgaria. For more information and instructions on how to apply please visit EASME’s webpage here.
ICT sector companies looking for new business and know-how exchange opportunities, clients or subcontractors, can schedule B2B meetings within ITmatch – Virtual IT/ICT Cooperation Day 2021, which will be held on 25.05.2021. The event brings together companies, institutions, investors and other stakeholders from all over the world. Main topics include artificial intelligence, blockchain, autonomous vehicles, cybersecurity, virtual reality, big data, machine learning, data analysis, mobile applications, human interfaces, sensors, 3D printing, business development, testing and analysis, financial technologies, e-health, e-commerce, outsourcing, etc. Registrations are open by 16 May, and booking of individual meetings should be completed by 23 May. Visit the website of the event to register – https://itmatch-virtual-it-ict-cooperation.b2match.io/. The Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry provides assistance to those interested to participate. To find out more please visit BCCI’s website here.