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.

• 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.

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 11:59PM Bulgarian Time on February 6, 2013.

• All supporting documents should be uploaded to the application website no later than 11:59PM Bulgarian Time on February 6, 2013.

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: To send a recommendation request to your recommenders, please go to the online application's Main Menu and select the option "Add or Edit Recommendation Request". Upon completion of the required information, your recommenders will receive and automatic email from our system. The email will contain instructions and recommendation templates in Bulgarian and English. To ensure that the recommendations upload properly, we strongly encourage that your recommenders use Firefox or Google Chrome browsers. Your recommenders must complete and upload their recommendations no later than 11:59PM Bulgarian Time on February 6, 2013. 

• Academic Transcripts: We strongly encourage you to request and official academic transcript from your university as soon as possible. Once you receive your transcript, please convert it into a single PDF file and upload it to your application. If you are currently a first year Master's degree student, please submit a copy of your undergraduate diploma along with „Уверение” from your university certifying that you are in your initial year of your Master´s program. Please convert both documents into a single PDF file and upload it to your application.

• Certification Form: Тo 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 participate in a five-week entrepreneurship training in the U.S., which will cover the following:

• 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 mandatory.