This year, 13 civic organizations entered Let's go 2024 with ideas for businesses with a cause. We challenged them, took them out of their comfort zone, we were critical, we supported them and never stopped believing in their potential to make a difference. Creating a business plan from scratch is no easy task, but our brave social entrepreneurs are the kind of people who don't give up in the face of adversity. These 13 brave teams are now ready to enter the race for the best NGO business plan for 2024!

And who, in fact, will make the final decision and determine the winners? The jury, of course! These are top professionals with experience and knowledge in specific areas of the business world. People who are not only good at what they do, but are willing to support startups because they know that the success of one is the success of all. We trusted their sense and ability to spot the really good ideas in their infancy. This is who they are - the expert jury at LET's GO 2024:

Petar Torneff

Petar Tornev is Managing Director of Accenture Technology Center in Bulgaria.

He has been working in the IT field for nearly 20 years. He graduated in Computer Systems and Technologies at Technical University - Varna. He became a graduate of Harvard Business School after completing the Leadership Development Program in 2015. In 2020 he graduated from the EMBA at the American University in Bulgaria.

He is actively engaged in transforming and improving leadership potential and education in Bulgaria. As an AIBEST Board Member, he contributes to the development of strategies and innovative solutions in cloud technology, cybersecurity, online commerce, management, and the implementation of policies related to cultural, age, and gender diversity in companies. Peter has successfully positioned Accenture Bulgaria as a "center of excellence" for e-commerce, Salesforce, Data and AI, Cloud, SAP BTP and SAP Hybris, establishing the company's reputation in these areas.

With his extensive business experience and commitment to creating an inclusive work environment, Petar Tornev is an active advocate for building a greater sense of belonging in people. In his role as I&D Ambassador, he supports initiatives to create a work environment where all people feel valued, respected and have the opportunity to be themselves and work with commitment.

Victoria Blazheva

Viktoria Blazheva is Marketing and Communications Director for Central and Eastern Europe at UniCredit since 2022. Prior to that, she was Director of Strategy and Business at UniCredit Bulbank for two years and headed the bank's Public Relations and Communications for over 10 years. Victoria is on the Board of Directors of the Trust for Social Alternative. She is a member of the Council of Women in Business and the European Association of Communication Directors. She lectures on marketing, communications and social entrepreneurship at various programmes and conferences.

She holds an MBA from Warwick Business School, a CORe Business Program from Harvard Business School, and the Professional Program in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from Stanford Graduate School of Business, among others. She is an alumni of the Center for Finance, Technology and Entrepreneurship's Fintech, AI and Open Banking, Prompt Engineer and AI Expert programs. He has also specialized in sustainable business strategies, circular economy, etc. He speaks English and Italian.

Victor-Asen Asenov

Viktor-Asen Assenov has joined the America for Bulgaria Foundation in November 2021. Previously, he worked as an organizational coordinator in the non-governmental sector with a focus on sustainable urban development, improving the urban environment, promoting transparent municipal governance and involving citizens in municipal decision-making processes.

Victor-Assen graduated with honors in International Studies with a focus on Europe from Leiden University in the Netherlands, where he was part of a team of student consultants for the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs as part of his university studies. He is also an avid volunteer taking part in various initiatives to improve the living environment.

Maria Cherneva

Maria Cherneva is a biochemist and microbiologist by education, and a journalist by profession. For nearly 30 years she has been following health and social issues for BNT. From 2013 to 2018 she was a member of the public council of the Fund for the Treatment of Children, where she actively defends the interests of children. She is the author of numerous documentaries, which have twice won her the Valya Krushkina Award.

Fingers crossed for all participants! We'd also say let the best ideas win, but in Let's go 2024 every idea is good and deserves a flying start. It's going to be a tough jury choice. Follow us closely for more information soon!