From Ideas to Impact-Balkan Bridge Helps Bulgarian Youth Build Businesses with Purpose

For many young people in Bulgaria, starting a business feels like a distant dream-blocked by financial barriers, limited mentorship, or a lack of confidence. The GROWTH Erasmus+ project is helping change that, and Balkan Bridge is at the forefront of the movement.
The two-year European initiative brings together seven partners across six countries with one shared goal: to empower youth to become entrepreneurial leaders of tomorrow. Balkan Bridge's role in this effort is essential-not only as a content developer but also as a local connector, helping bridge ideas and real-world opportunities.
A Gamified Learning Revolution
One of the most exciting deliverables of the project is the GROWTH Digital Board Game, a gamified simulation of entrepreneurial life. The platform introduces players to the ups and downs of business creation-from financial management to branding strategy-within an engaging, low-risk learning environment.
Balkan Bridge has been instrumental in adapting the content for Bulgarian youth audiences, ensuring that the game reflects cultural nuances, language, and relevant examples. The platform is already being piloted with students, mentors, and youth workers across the region.
Mentoring the Next Generation
Beyond the digital tools, Balkan Bridge is working on the implementation of localized mentorship programs, connecting young people with experienced professionals from various industries. These mentors guide participants through goal setting, business planning, and overcoming common challenges in entrepreneurship.
Youth Empowerment with a European Heart
The GROWTH project also includes the creation of a Toolkit for Youth Organizations and a series of workshops, including one hosted in Sofia. This event, to be held in 2025, will bring together over 40 participants to explore the tools developed throughout the project and provide feedback for further improvement.
With Europe facing a future shaped by automation, climate change, and economic shifts, the need to foster adaptable, socially minded entrepreneurs is more important than ever.
Thanks to initiatives like GROWTH and the dedication of organizations like Balkan Bridge, young people in Bulgaria are discovering that they don't need to wait for opportunities-they can build them.

Balkan Bridge EOOD
Str. Dospat 20 1164 Sofia, Bulgaria
Gergana Georgieva

Balkan Bridge is an organisation aiming to bring together the societies of Balkans and to achieve cooperation and growth. The organisation's mission is to cover the gaps of the Balkan area in terms of professional training, networking and research activities with the goal to transform Balkans to a sustainable ecosystem with a highly skilled human capital and businesses able to adapt to the needs of the society and the global trends.

This release was published on openPR.