Innovation Station: Social Entrepreneurship Competition Brings Leading NGO Experts on Campus

During the competition, each team had to develop a creative and sustainable solution to a social issue presented by an NGO or a social business. They were guided by two mentors: a practitioner in the field and an AUBG professor or staff member, both of whom offered their expertise to help develop the creative ideas. 

“I think that while you are at AUBG, you should not be afraid to participate in events like this one," said the President of BCC Desislava Stamova. “You, as a participant, are introduced to some of the very important social problems and are asked to think of solutions that are adaptable yet creative. While working on the solution, you get to learn from your AUBG professors in informal situations. Also, you are introduced to some of the biggest non-governmental organizations in Bulgaria, their representatives, which I, personally, find very important as these are the people that are working on the solutions for the problems, and they always have something to share – either experience or different perspectives."

Twelve organizations presented their social cases this year: 

• 180 Degrees Consulting Sofia helps organizations reach their full potential by providing high-quality consulting services to social impact organizations. 
• Active Bulgarian Society's goal is to apply an innovative approach to the development of youngsters through many interesting activities.
• AIESEC is striving to make the young generation become more self-aware, learn how to be solution-oriented, and thus, make a difference in the world.
• Alzheimer Bulgaria's main goal is to provoke public interest in the importance of the problems associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
• Pink's advocacy maintains that all children have a fair chance of living a happy, healthy, and productive life.
• Fulbright Bulgaria grants students the opportunity to study abroad and explore new horizons.
• Rewilding Rhodopes' mission is the protection of endangered species in Bulgaria and all over Europe.
• The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award supports operators in around 130 countries to provide the necessary opportunities for young people to reach their true potential and help their local communities flourish.
• Teahouse provides the first workplace for young people to develop both personally and professionally, giving them the necessary tools to build their own life.
• Тротоара [Trotoara] aims to build a sustainable environment for the social, personal and professional development of young people.
• "Joy" Bakery's mission is to provide a safe and productive working place for kids and youngsters with special needs.
• "For the Good" Foundation strives to innovate children’s healthcare and education and actively protects kids’ rights all over Bulgaria.

Apart from the many partners and nation-wide sponsors that the student club partnered with, there were also local businesses that provided food and goods to help the participants feel at their best during the weekend. 

The organizers presented different opportunities to enjoy the creative breaks. One of them was "Shake it Up with Dance Crew" where the participants got the chance to have some fun and learn some dance moves in between the working sessions. They also had a lecture on the importance of social entrepreneurship and a Presentation by Pandev Law to introduce internship opportunities for students.