For the third consecutive year, NOVA Broadcasting Group and AUBG are joining forces to support social entrepreneurship in Bulgaria through the NOVA EMBA Scholarship initiative. This year, in an effort to expand the impact of the program, two scholarships will be awarded—each covering 50% of the tuition fee for AUBG’s Executive MBA program.
The recipients of the NOVA EMBA Scholarship will be selected through a competitive process running from May 24 to September 14. Aspiring or current entrepreneurs must present a project that addresses a significant social issue in Bulgaria. Submissions should fall within one of two categories:
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Social and Cultural Action: including education, minority belonging, labor market development, cultural preservation, and access to healthcare.
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Environmental Sustainability & Green Business: including environmental protection, waste management, pollution control, energy efficiency, sustainable urban planning, mobility, and transport innovations.
“”We are happy that after two successful editions in partnership with the American University in Bulgaria, we continue to develop the initiative to maximize its impact.The success stories of past winners Boyan Nedyalkov and Jane Kerkova are proof of the power of our joint efforts,” said Krasimira Hadzhiyska, CEO of NOVA Broadcasting Group.
“We believe that AUBG and NOVA fully share the values behind this scholarship. Both institutions are committed to advancing the sectors it targets not only for business and social sector development, but for the overall prosperity of Bulgarian society,” added AUBG Provost Mininger.
Applicants must meet the general admission requirements for the EMBA program and indicate their intent to apply for the scholarship as part of the process. Submissions will be reviewed by a jury consisting of AUBG faculty and NOVA representatives.
Candidates must prepare a detailed business plan of 5,000–6,000 words outlining a social entrepreneurship project. The plan may focus on scaling an existing initiative or launching a new venture that tackles a societal challenge. To be eligible, the project must include a clear social or environmental mission, innovation, sustainability, stakeholder engagement, impact measurement, sound financial and operational management, and potential for collaborative partnerships. Applicants must also submit a resume and proof of English proficiency.
Interested candidates may apply for the scholarship before being admitted to the EMBA program; however, the award will only be granted after successful admission. The jury will select five finalists who will pitch their projects live on October 4. The scholarship winners will be announced at a special ceremony shortly thereafter.
More about the scholarship
