30.09.2024

VISA LAUNCHED THE GRANT PROGRAM TO SUPPORT FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS IN BULGARIA

The card and digital payment company "Visa" announced the start of the first edition of the She's Next grant program in Bulgaria.

The initiative, in partnership with the "Women's Forum" association, aims to support Bulgarian women entrepreneurs by providing them with practical knowledge, tools and prospects for growth. The program focuses on supporting small businesses through mentoring, funding and networking opportunities.

Women who are developing their own business and are interested in participating in the program can submit their applications from October 1 to November 10, 2024 on the special page of the Women's Forum website.

The need for such initiatives is underscored by a recent Visa survey that revealed a significant lack of awareness and access to resources among women entrepreneurs. More than half - 59 percent - of the women surveyed reported that they were not aware of the resources available, whether financial, legal or counseling. The existing opportunities are known to only 9 percent, according to the survey conducted in February and March this year.

Fifteen female entrepreneurs will be selected to participate in a three-month mentoring program, which will be implemented with the help of the "Women's Forum" association. At the end of the program, all participants will present their business development projects to a jury. The three most outstanding projects will receive grants totaling BGN 45,000 to support the growth and development of their business.

"The inclusion of women entrepreneurs is not just a goal, but a necessity for economic growth and innovation. Through the She's Next program, we aim to provide the necessary resources and support so that women in Bulgaria can achieve success in their business ventures. By offering practical guidance, mentorship and funding opportunities, we believe we can unlock the full potential of these amazing lady entrepreneurs and help them overcome the unique challenges they face. Our partnership with "Women's Forum" emphasizes our commitment to promoting an inclusive and dynamic business environment in which women can be leaders and develop", said Krasimira Racheva, executive director of "Visa Bulgaria".

"Women's Forum" partnership with the She's Next program is in sync with our mission to empower the next generation of women entrepreneurs through mentorship, expertise, skills and sharing of life lessons. In the partnership with "Visa" we recognized the synergy and the opportunity to join forces for a better tomorrow, for which we at "Women's Forum" strive to work every day. Thanks to the Visa team for the inspiration and opportunity! We look forward to contributing to the transformation and development of the ladies participating in the project," said Diana Miteva, chairwoman of the board of directors of the "Women's Forum" association.

"I became familiar with the Visa She's Next program and with great pleasure accepted the invitation to be its ambassador. I am a woman and an entrepreneur and I know how much effort it takes to create and grow a successful business. Initiatives that support this can only inspire and fill me with hope. I can't wait to see the projects that the participating ladies will create", said Maria Ilieva, ambassador of the She's Next program in Bulgaria.

Since 2020, Visa has invested about $3 million in more than 250 programs for women small and medium-sized business owners, as part of the company's commitment to support business internationally, the company said.