What are BCs/BIs?

Business Centers and Business Incubators (BCs/BIs) are registered Bulgarian NGOs that support private sector development and economic development on a local level. BCs/BIs provide information and consulting services, training, financial services and below market rate premises. Through the JOBS project, BCs/BIs also provide their communities access to financial mechanisms and information technology centers.

Activities of BCs

• Deliver locally-based comprehensive support to micro and small businesses and agricultural producers
• Introduce new management techniques and technologies
• Provide international and local consultants to develop projects, business opportunities and business links
• Establish contacts and cooperation with national and international institutions and trade organisations, sponsorship programmes and special funds
• Facilitate financing
• Stimulate and support a "dialogue" on the local and national level to promote entrepreneurship and build confidence between the public and private sectors

Business Incubator
Premises are offered for rent to start-up or existing micro and small companies that want to expand their business activities

• Fully renovated premises
• Below market rate rents
• Full package of services available
• Promotion of tenant's business

Information Technology (IT) Centers

• Located in each BC/BI
• Improving communication in rural areas
• Providing access to the Internet
• Developing practical computer skills among rural entrepreneurs
• Establishing business-to-business contacts
• Providing national and international market information
• Promoting Bulgarian businesses to international markets
• Supporting e-commerce