For the third consecutive year, the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, in collaboration with the Fund of Funds, is organizing the National Youth Competition for the Best Startup. This year, the number of applicants for the competition has increased to 160. After a preliminary selection, 40 business ideas were admitted to the semifinals, including some from the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration representatives. The semifinal took place on May 15, hosted by United Bulgarian Bank.

During the opening of the event, Mrs. Desislava Simeonova, CEO of UBB, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Biser Petkov, CEO of the Fund of Funds, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Todor Yalamov, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, emphasized the importance of entrepreneurial thinking for organizations, society, and the development of young people.

Within the EU, in 2023, our country stands out with the highest indicators regarding youth entrepreneurship. According to Eurobarometer data for 2023, 23% of young people under 30 in Bulgaria are taking steps to start a business, compared to the European average of 14%. In Bulgaria, 14% are engaged in their own business (including self-employment), compared to the European average of 9%.

In a fast-paced and competitive environment, the teams presented their business ideas to three separate juries. The juries included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Todor Yalamov and Prof. Dr. Tsvetan Davidkov. The ten teams ranked as winners will compete in the final of the competition, which will be held on May 31, 2024. The event will be hosted by Sofia University, Aula (Rectorate).

The competition takes place in a friendly atmosphere, where participants and organizers share ideas, intentions, projects, and promises. It is a wonderful event that marks the upward development of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Bulgaria.