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Applications Are Open for the 16th Edition of LET’S GO: Entrepreneurship Program for NGOs

In Collaboration with the School of Business Competencies

We are once again looking for active and motivated teams from civil society organizations who: 

  • Have a specific new concept for a purpose-driven business;  
  • Want to develop or further develop an existing idea for an economic activity related to their organization’s mission;  
  • Do not yet have a business idea but are seeking inspiration, knowledge, and support to create a social enterprise.  

LET’S GO 2026: A New Stage in the Development of Social Entrepreneurship 

The 16th edition of the LET’S GO program by the Bulgarian Center for Not-for-Profit Law (BCNL) enters a new stage of development through a strategic partnership with the School of Business Competencies. 

This collaboration combines BCNL’s long-standing experience in the development of the civil sector with the expertise of the School of Business Competencies in entrepreneurship, management and strategic growth. The goal is to offer a broader and more practically oriented program that supports social enterprises at different stages of their development. 

LET’S GO continues to support civil society organizations in creating sustainable business models aligned with their mission. In 2026, the program is enhanced with new training and consulting formats developed jointly with the experts from the School of Business Competencies. 

New Elements of the Program in 2026 

Special Program for Scaling Social Enterprises (Scale-ups) through Business Sales Training 

A training module developed in collaboration with the School of Business Competencies, focusing on building partnerships, structuring commercial processes, and working with corporate clients. This training is suitable for both startups and already established social enterprises. 

Presentation of Final Ideas at the Crossroads Entrepreneurial Forum 

Participants will have the opportunity to present their final business ideas during the Crossroads entrepreneurial conference. This provides visibility in front of business representatives, potential partners, investors, and organizations within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. 

International Opportunity 

One of the teams will have the opportunity to join the global accelerator of Democratizing Innovation, providing access to an international network of experts, mentors, and entrepreneurs, as well as the chance to develop the project in an international context. 

What is LET’S GO? 

LET’S GO is a 7-month training and mentorship program organized by BCNL in partnership with the School of Business Competencies, supporting civil society organizations to launch or develop mission-aligned economic activities. 

The program runs both online and in-person from April to October 2026. 

During the training sessions, participants will acquire practical knowledge and skills in: 

  • Business modeling  
  • Financial planning  
  • Marketing and communications  
  • Development of sustainable sales strategies  

Throughout the process, teams will work with mentors and experts from the fields of business, marketing, advertising, and finance. 

At the end of the program, participants will present their developed ideas to a jury in the “Best NGO Business Plan” competition. 

Why Join? 

Over the past 15 years, more than 280 civil society organizations have participated in LET’S GO, reaching many more people through the products and services they create in support of their causes. 

Social entrepreneurship enables them not only to expand the impact of their mission but also to build greater financial sustainability. 

Who is the Program For? 

The program is open to civil society organizations—associations, foundations, and community centers—that: 

  • Have a business idea and need knowledge and support for its development;  
  • Or are motivated to start an economic activity but do not yet have a business idea.  

During the training and mentorship sessions, participants will receive support to formulate and develop their business concept. 

Selection Criteria 

Organizations eligible to apply must: 

  • Be registered for public benefit;  
  • Be registered or re-registered with the Registry Agency in Bulgaria;  
  • Be motivated to develop a business idea and have the potential to implement it;  
  • Be able to actively participate in trainings, mentorship sessions, and program events.  

From all applications, 12 organizations will be selected, with special attention to the motivation of the teams and their readiness to launch an economic activity. 

Application Process 

Applications are submitted via an online form [HERE] by 23:59 on April 19, 2026. 

By April 26, 2026, each applicant will be informed via the email address provided about the selection results. Approved applicants will receive an invitation to join the program and additional information. 

For the participants’ convenience, we have compiled frequently asked questions related to the application and program. You can find them [HERE]. 

TO THE APPLICATION FORM 

Only applications submitted through the online form will be accepted. 

Save the Date: April 6, 2026 

We will hold an informational webinar, “Social Entrepreneurship and Civil Society Organizations: Mission Possible?”, to answer frequently asked questions about the program. Be sure to register and submit your preliminary questions [HERE]. 

Commitment 

LET’S GO is highly practical. To benefit fully from the training, participants need to plan for active engagement. 

Commitment includes: 

  • On average, one training or mentorship session per week  
  • Training sessions lasting around 3 hours  
  • Mentorship meetings up to 1 hour  

Meetings are held online via Zoom, allowing participation from organizations across the country. 

Participants will complete practical tasks throughout the program, gradually developing their business and financial plans. 

The final event will be held in person in Sofia and includes: 

  • Presentation of business ideas to the jury  
  • Award ceremony  
  • Program community meeting  

Transportation and accommodation costs for organizations outside Sofia will be covered by the organizers. 

Each organization participates with two representatives who work as a team throughout the training process. 

What Do Participants Receive? 

Accepted organizations will receive: 

  • Practical knowledge for developing mission-aligned economic activities  
  • Mentorship support and expert guidance for business plan development  
  • Improved skills in presenting and communicating ideas  
  • Opportunities to present their idea to companies, funding organizations, and potential partners  
  • Participation in the “Best NGO Business Plan” competition  
  • Access to training materials and resources  
  • Membership in the LET’S GO program community  

After completing the program, organizations can continue developing their social entrepreneurship ideas through BCNL initiatives, including presenting products in the DarPazar – shop with a cause, participating in community meetings, and collaborative initiatives with other social entrepreneurs. 

Participation Fee 

The program participation fee is €100 per organization, covering two representatives. 

This represents approximately 15% of the program’s actual cost; the remaining amount is funded by a BCNL project supported by the America for Bulgaria Foundation and partner companies. 

The fee is paid after confirmation of participation by the organizers. 

Contacts 

For questions related to the application: info@bcnl.org 

“Let’s GO” is implemented within the framework of the project “Stronger Together: Engaging Other Sectors in CSO Initiatives”.