“Man’s goodness is a flame that can be hidden but never extinguished.” Nelson Mandela

Fifteen organizations took part in the 10^th edition of BCNL’s “Recovery Program for social enterprises LET's GO" this year. Among those, 10 competed for the financial support, which would grant a kick start of their ideas. It was a hard pick for the jury of experts to determine which 3 ideas for a business with a social cause will be supported with 10 000 BGN each.

The final choice was extremely hard because all of the submissions were meaningful, but the teams were highly motivated and ready to set the fire of their life changing ideas. After many hours of discussions and evaluations, the jury finally distributed the 30 000 BGN fund and granted full participation in Lab4e – mentorship for the first few months of realizing the ideas. And here are the winners in this year’s competition:

• „Nothing is Impossible“ Association, Varna. Their social enterprise employs people with disabilities and provides printing, catering services, landscaping, growing flower seedlings and herbs, etc. They plan to expand their catering service with a Kitchen for preparing food for delivery, as well as to provide space for a small greenhouse for their own production. 

• ADRA-Bulgaria Foundation, Sofia, with their project Bee4Thee, want to create a social enterprise for the production and sale of honey in order to stimulate the beekeeping business in the North-West region, as well as to provide work for people from vulnerable groups in it.

• "Cancer Patients and Friends" Association, Burgas and their social enterprise "Draw me a smile", which employs primarily cancer patients and produces souvenirs and toys. They need to keep people at work which is their only opportunity for socialization and financial income until they overcome the difficult moment. 

This year’s awarding was adapted to the current safety measures. So, instead of an official ceremony, we decided to surprise the 3 finalists by sending messengers - winners from previous issues of the program - to deliver the good news. Follow us on our social media channels, where we will upload videos from the moments of surprise!

It has always been, and certainly will always be extremely inspiring for us to be part of the civil organizations’ lives and have a role in the realization of namely those ideas that have the potential to change people’s destiny.

 FUND: Social Enterprises is developed by Bulgarian Center for Not-for-Profit Law with the support of the America for Bulgaria Foundation, UniCredit Bulbank, TELUS International Europe and Accenture Bulgaria