Summer Entrepreneurship Program (SEP)

The Summer Entrepreneurship Program (SEP) provides short-term, non-degree experiential learning opportunity for 30 Bulgarian students from all accredited universities in Bulgaria.

During five weeks of intensive entrepreneurship training, business education, and leadership development, participants have the opportunity to study at leading U.S. business schools where they interact and network with U.S. executives, entrepreneurs, and students. In addition, because SEP is designed as a mini-MBA program, participants develop life plans and business plans. These plans serve as blueprints for how students apply what they have learned upon their return to Bulgaria.

For further information on the Summer Entrepreneurship Program,  please attend one of the information sessions available for applicants in the American Corner at Sofia City Library. Please refer to the Information Sessions Calendar for exact dates and times.

• Applicants must be Bulgarian citizens who currently reside and study in Bulgaria.
• Applicants must be full-time regular students at an accredited university.
• Applicants must have completed at least two years of undergraduate study at an accredited university in Bulgaria before participating in SEP. Graduate students currently pursuing a master's degree are also eligible to apply.
• Applicants must have a proven record of high academic achievement.
• Applicants must be able to demonstrate leadership skills and an aptitude for entrepreneurship.
• Applicants must demonstrate a strong interest in global citizenship while also demonstrating a strong interest in giving back to their country and community.

Note: The recruitment for the 2012 SEP participants is now closed. Please check back in September 2012 for information regarding the next round of recruitment.

The SEP application entails the completion and submission of the SEP Online Application and SEP Supporting Documents. The deadline for submission of your application is as follows:

SEP Application Deadline

• Applications should be submitted no later than February 6, 2012

• All supporting documents should be uploaded to the application website no later than February 6, 2012

1. SEP Online Application

To apply to the Summer Entrepreneurship Program, please visit the SEP Online Application platform. After you have registered (created your login username and password), you can begin your online application.

2. SEP Supporting Documentation

Here is a list of the required SEP Supporting Documents:

• Two Letters of Recommendation - an automatic recommendation email request with instructions will be sent to your recommenders once you complete the recommendation request form.

• Academic Transcripts: You will be able to upload your most recent official academic transcript along with your application. The transcript (if in Bulgarian) needs to be accompanied by an English translation (typed on a separate sheet), if applicable. Unofficial translations are acceptable.

• Certification Form (filled out and signed) – to complete your SEP application, you need to print, sign, scan and upload the SEP Certification Form. The form can be downloaded from the SEP Online Application platform.

For more information, please contact the program administrator at bylp@iie.eu.

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What does the program offer?

Selected applicants will spend five weeks in the U.S. for entrepreneurship training, which will cover:

• Travel to and from the U.S.
• Travel inside the U.S.
• Health insurance coverage for the duration of the program
• Assistance with U.S. visa application
• Tuition fees for all modules
• Accommodations and meals

Participation in the highly useful and informative pre-departure orientation workshop in Sofia is required.