It all started when a small group of passionate individuals in Bulgaria noticed something striking. Countless people with talent, skills, and ideas were stuck in the shadows—crafting beautiful handmade goods or providing valuable services—but lacked the roadmap to turn their hobbies into thriving businesses. That’s where the Business Academy for Starting Entrepreneurs (BASE) stepped in, aiming to bridge this critical gap.
But what does that actually mean for someone on the ground? How does a grassroots initiative like BASE get the financial and community backing it needs to transform eager dreamers into confident entrepreneurs? Today, let’s pull back the curtain and explore who funds this essential program and how those funds make a tangible difference.
From Hobbyists to Entrepreneurs: The Journey BASE Supports
Thinking about entrepreneurship sometimes seems glamorous—start a business, be your own boss, make money on your own terms. But so often, the people with real potential are bogged down by the everyday realities of budgeting, marketing, and legal requirements. BASE understands this deeply, designing a full suite of tools from pop-up fairs in Sofia that showcase products to a robust mentorship program connecting beginners with seasoned experts.
So how do you go from a hobby to a business? BASE provides both the training and the community that can make this leap possible. But running such an initiative isn’t cheap. Each cohort—the group of new entrepreneurs trained and supported—costs approximately $20,000 (35,000 leva).
The Backbone of Funding: America for Bulgaria Foundation (ABF) and ABLE Bulgaria
Enter the America for Bulgaria Foundation (ABF). For those unfamiliar, ABF has consistently championed initiatives that drive sustainable economic development in Bulgaria. Beyond just throwing money at projects, ABF partners with organizations to foster long-term impact. One shining example is its support of BASE through ABLE Bulgaria, a local implementing partner focused on building entrepreneurial ecosystems.
ABF funding to BASE does more than just cover expenses—it catalyzes growth. The foundation provides critical seed money that allows BASE to run multiple cohorts annually, conduct outreach to underrepresented communities (especially women entrepreneurs), and organize pop-up fairs in Sofia that not only boost sales but increase the visibility of grassroots entrepreneurs.
How does this look in action?
- Training sessions: Practical workshops on business essentials. Mentorship program: One-on-one guidance from experienced business owners. Pop-up fairs: Opportunities to test products in a real marketplace.
Trust for Social Achievement: Building a Collaborative Network
Another critical player in the funding and sustainability of BASE is the Trust for Social Achievement. This organization focuses on social impact investing and grants, which makes it a perfect partner for a program aimed at empowering underrepresented groups in entrepreneurship.
The Trust’s support helps cover operational costs, outreach, and crucially, the unseen expenses that many grassroots programs face. For example, one frequent budgeting mistake is forgetting to include the project leader’s salary. Grassroots projects often rely on volunteers or underpaid staff, but to build a sustainable initiative, fair compensation has to be part of the budget. Thanks to Trust for Social Achievement, BASE can ensure that key team members are adequately supported, avoiding burnout and promoting continuity.
The Role of Community and Mentorship
Funding might provide the fuel, but community and mentorship are the engine that drives success. BASE’s mentorship program is a standout feature, pairing new entrepreneurs with mentors who understand the local market and the unique challenges facing startups in Bulgaria. Mentorship isn’t just about business advice—it's about emotional support, networking connections, and sometimes, even scam-avoidance guidance in a market where trust-building is essential.
Moreover, the pop-up fairs in Sofia serve as a physical manifestation of community support. These fairs create a temporary marketplace where emerging entrepreneurs can showcase their products, get direct customer feedback, and build brand recognition. For many participants, it’s the first time they see their hobby validated by paying customers.
Empowering Women and Underrepresented Groups
One of the most inspiring effects of BASE’s work is its emphasis on empowering women and marginalized groups. Bulgaria’s entrepreneurial landscape, like many globally, often sidelines these groups due to lack of access to capital, networks, business basics for beginners and training. Funders like ABF and the Trust have recognized this gap and deliberately channel resources to ensure inclusivity.
Women-led ventures and projects from underrepresented communities featured prominently in recent BASE cohorts, thanks to targeted outreach and scholarships funded by these organizations. This approach not only boosts individual success but also contributes to broader social equity.
Beyond the Numbers: What Funding Means for Entrepreneurs
Ever wonder what happens next after the funding is secured? Here’s the reality: without these investments—$20,000 per cohort for example—programs like BASE would struggle to provide comprehensive support. The money covers everything from training materials, venue rentals, and marketing, to direct support services like mentorship matching and organizing events.
And for the individual entrepreneur? It means access to a network that helps turn what might have been a fleeting idea into a dependable income stream. Entrepreneurs aren’t just getting money; they’re getting knowledge, confidence, and a chance to build something lasting in their communities.
Wrapping It Up: The Power Behind BASE
Funding Source Role Impact America for Bulgaria Foundation (ABF) Primary funder via ABLE Bulgaria Enables program scale, supports underrepresented groups Trust for Social Achievement Grant provider and social investor Covers operational costs, ensures staff remuneration Business Academy for Starting Entrepreneurs (BASE) Program implementer and community builder Delivers training, mentorship, and marketplacesUltimately, the story of BASE funding is a story of strategic partnerships and a deep commitment to grassroots entrepreneurship in Bulgaria. It’s about recognizing that turning hobbies into sustainable businesses isn’t just about passion or ideas—it’s about real tools, community backing, and yes, realistic funding that pays for people, places, and programs.
Next time you see a craft fair stall or hear about a new local startup in Sofia, remember the quiet ecosystem behind it—a network funded by organizations like the America for Bulgaria Foundation and Trust for Social Achievement that believe in the power of entrepreneurship to change lives.