Policy framework

There is not a standalone strategy/legal framework on development of entrepreneurship competence.

The Bulgarian government has established a National Social Economy Concept (Национална концепция за социална икономика) to promote the social economy, including social enterprises. This framework focuses on raising awareness, establishing support structures, providing information, fostering education and research, and creating a favorable environment for social enterprises.

Formal learning

Entrepreneurship is recognized as a key competence within Bulgaria's national educational policy. Efforts are focused on developing the ability to transform ideas into action, emphasizing creativity, innovation, and risk-taking—qualities essential for entrepreneurial endeavors. Initiatives include implementing elements of entrepreneurship education in secondary schools and promoting specialized programs at the university level.

Еntrepreneurship education is integrated into the national curriculum through the State Educational Standard for General Education. This standard outlines the competencies and learning outcomes expected at various educational levels, including the development of entrepreneurial skills.

Bulgaria's educational framework for entrepreneurship is multifaceted, aiming to cultivate entrepreneurial competencies from primary through tertiary education. 

Primary Education: Regulation No 5 of 30 November 2015 (Наредба № 5 от 30.11.2015 за общообразователна подготовка) introduced explicit objectives and learning outcomes related to entrepreneurship for primary education. This aims to foster entrepreneurial mindsets from an early age. 

Secondary Education: Entrepreneurship is offered as a compulsory subject in certain vocational high schools, particularly those with economic or business profiles. 

Higher Education: At the university level, specialized courses in entrepreneurship are available across various economic and management disciplines. 

The National Agency for Vocational Education and Training (NAVET) plays an important role in enhancing vocational education, including entrepreneurship training. It collaborates with social partners to implement policies for lifelong learning and vocational training, aligning educational outcomes with labor market needs. 

Non-formal and informal learning

In Bulgaria, several policy measures and initiatives have been implemented to promote non-formal and informal learning in entrepreneurship. These efforts aim to enhance entrepreneurial skills and foster an entrepreneurial culture outside the traditional formal education system.

Entrepreneurship and innovation are mainly promoted and encouraged through the EU programs, in particular Enterprise and Innovation for Competitiveness Program.

Although not targeting exclusively, young people, the program is administered by the Ministry of Innovation and Growth. This Ministry was created in 2021 and mainly focuses on fostering innovation and economic growth.

The Ministry of Economy and Industry organizes the annual contest European Awards for Promotion of Entrepreneurship. All local, regional and national authorities in the EU or in the countries associated to the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Pillar of the Single Market Program – Support to SMEs – European Commission (europa.eu), are elibilge to participate. This includes big and small cities, regions and municipalities, as well as public-private partnerships between public authorities and entrepreneurs, educational programs, companies and business organisations. 

Junior Achievement Bulgaria: Junior Achievement Bulgaria is a prominent non-governmental organization dedicated to fostering entrepreneurial skills among young people. It provides high school students with hands-on experience in starting and managing a real business, enhancing their practical entrepreneurial skills. Furthermore, it organizes events that offer intensive training and mentorship in business development and innovation.

MOVE.BG Platform: MOVE.BG is a platform that fosters collaboration to find sustainable solutions for societal challenges through innovation and co-creation. Its initiatives bring together entrepreneurs, policymakers, and experts to discuss and develop strategies for enhancing Bulgaria's entrepreneurial ecosystem. It further organizes initiatives to encourage and support young women in transforming their entrepreneurial ideas into viable businesses.

Bulgarian Center for Not-For-Profit Law (BCNL): BCNL is an organization that supports the development of the non-profit sector in Bulgaria, including initiatives related to social entrepreneurship. The center works towards creating a favorable legal environment for non-profit organizations and social enterprises. It provides training and resources to enhance the effectiveness of non-profit organizations in delivering social value.

These initiatives collectively enhance non-formal and informal learning opportunities in entrepreneurship across Bulgaria, fostering a culture of innovation and practical business skills development.

Educators support in entrepreneurship education

The Ministry of Education and Science implements a Strategic Framework for Development of Education, Training and Learning in the Republic of Bulgaria (2021 – 2030) (Стратегическа рамка за развитие на образованието, обучението и ученето в Република България (2021 – 2030). Motivated and creative teachers is one of the priority areas of this strategic framework. The objective is to increase the attractiveness and prestige of the teacher profession and to provide the education system with teachers in all education establishments and in all disciplines in long-term perspective.

The National Network of Youth Centers (Национална мрежа на младежките центрове) was established in 2016 as a non-formal association of youth centers in Stara Zagora, Plovdiv, Vratsa and Dobrich. In 2021, the newly established youth centers in Pernik, Burgas, Montana and Gabrovo became its members. Although not exclusively directed to entrepreneurship, the network works for the improvement of the quality of work and competences of youth workers and Roma mediators and other staff of the centers, through trainings, exchange of experience and good practices in various fields.