Training seminars for NGOs to prepare a business plan and find funding
Bulgarian Center for Not-for-Profit Law and Program and Analytical Centre for European Law, with the expert support of Bizmart Credit, announced procedure for collecting participants in training and competition for the best business plan
“Preparing a business plan and finding funding for doing business “
Description
First stage
Two two-day seminars in which participants and experienced practitioners and business consultants will discuss major themes related to the preparation of business plans and their presentation before investors. During these training sessions participants will learn:
• How to integrate their business model in the structure of the NGO;
• What are the important characteristics of successful business plan and what mistakes should not be allowed;
• What approaches are most effective representation at meetings with potential investors or customers.
In addition to the presentations and advices from practice will be included group activities and role plays. The detailed program will be published separately.
Second stage
After the trainings the participants will have three months to prepare their own business plans. During this stage they can have free consultations and ask the business consultants specific questions.
Third stage
The developed business plans will be evaluated and the best of them will be presented to the special jury of business leaders and potential investors. Applicants will receive tips on how to improve their ideas and the winning projects will receive access to funding opportunities.
Who is appropriate to apply?
The initiative is suitable for all non-governmental organizations that are developing or plan to develop business in support of its mission and goals.
In order to particiate in the sellection process NGOs must:
• exist more than 2 years (registered before June 30, 2009);
• have at least two successfully completed projects / initiatives in the past 3 years;
• have at least 3 permanent employees (can be engaged with civil contract);
• have annual revenues for 2010 of at least 20 000 leva.
Priority in the selection of participants will be given to active organizations that have well-prepared team. In the selection of the organizations the overall development and availability of resources will also be taken in consideration. The main criterion will be the organization’s mission and the connection with the proposed business idea.
Schedule
• Application deadline – July 8, 2011;
• Announcement of approved candidates for participation – August 31, 2011;
• Conduction of training seminar for participants from South Bulgaria – 16 and September 17, 2011;
• Conduction of training seminar for participants from North Bulgaria – and 6 and7 October 2011;
• Period for preparation of business plans – October, November and December 2011;
• Presentation of the top 10 business plans – January 2012;
• Identification of funding opportunities – February and March 2012
Conditions for participation
All organizations that wish to participate must complete an application form and send it to e-mail address: info@bcnl.org
or mailbox at:
Sofia 1000, “Dobrudja” № 6, BCNL.
The deadline for submission of the documents is July 8, 2011.
The form must be completed and forwarded by the official representative of the non-profit organization. Please be concise, clear and specific in answering questions on the form, it will give you a better chance when applying!
The approved applicants must pay a fee of 50 leva to participate in the trainings and the competition. The organizers cover the expense of the participants for 2 nights, meals and coffee breaks during the trainings.
The initiative is organized within the project “Profits for Non-Profits: Unleashing the Hidden Potential of Bulgarian NGOs”, funded by the Foundation “America for Bulgaria”.