site.btaThird Edition of 2023 National Mentoring Programme for Women Entrepreneurs 

Over 76% of Bulgarian women who want to start their own business have a university degree. In Europe, the average percentage is below 30%, said Ilona Staneva. Director of Marketing and Advertising at First Investment Bank (Fibank) at a BTA press conference on Wednesday on the occasion of the launch of the third edition of the National Mentoring Programme for Women Entrepreneurs for 2023. Fibank is a partner in the programme.

Staneva also cited data that show that a large number of women in Bulgaria start a business over the age of 40, while in Europe this decision is made at the age of 25-30. The reasons for the late start of Bulgarian women's business journey are related to postponing the decision until children are grown up, until they gains more qualifications and experience. In addition, Bulgarian women prefer to have a balance between business and personal life, while women in Western Europe decide at the beginning of their professional journey whether they will devote themselves entirely to their career or have a personal life. "The Bulgarian woman is a great balancer," the expert summed up.

The 2023 National Mentoring Programme for Women Entrepreneurs will begin on January 27 at the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) , a partner of the programme, said Gena Sabeva, member of the  BCCI Management Board, co-chair of the  Entrepreneurship and Startup Council and ideologist of the mentoring programme. 

Sabeva explained that this programme is the only one in the country that is completely practically oriented, and its purpose is to motivate women to start their own business. Eighteen successful female entrepreneurs will mentor the future business ladies. 

The initiative will also include a forum, entitled  "Women's Business Arena" for the third time. It will take place on June 7, when ladies who participated in the programwill receive a financial grant from Fibank. This year's program is expected to support 40 women with business ideas.