What can give a boost to entrepreneurship in Kyustendil?

The combination of national reforms, European programs, and active local support is creating a favorable environment for entrepreneurs in Kyustendil and neighboring municipalities. From digital services and green products to a legislative framework and direct investment, now is the time for enterprising companies to take advantage of the resources offered by hubs, funds, and local initiative groups.

This is the main conclusion of the panel “Convergence and Entrepreneurship in Kyustendil: Searching for Funds and Opportunities” from the seminar “Opportunities for Entrepreneurship in Kyustendil.” The event was organized by Brand Media Bulgaria as part of the activities of the European project “Career Transition of Opportunities” (TOP JOBS).

Opportunities from the new regionalization

The latest changes in the administrative regionalization of the country were discussed, which place Kyustendil in the new Southern planning region together with Plovdiv, Stara Zagora, Pazardzhik, Haskovo, and Kardzhali – a decision that is close to final approval by the European Commission.

Until now, the Southwestern region has been treated as highly developed, but the fact that Sofia pushed the statistics above the average limited the opportunities for grant funding in Kyustendil and Pernik,“ commented Hristian Daskalov from the European Digital Innovation Hub ”Thrace."

The reallocation is expected to provide fairer access to grants and new partnerships with centers in Plovdiv and Stara Zagora.

Digital innovation hubs – “partner, not lender”

Daskalov explained that there are over 150 digital innovation hubs in Europe, with 12 in Bulgaria, four of which are working on the Digital Europe program. They offer free tech services and expertise without requiring annual turnover or credit history.

I am here so that some of the companies can hire me for a day, two, three, a week, or a month, and I will work for you."

Among the services offered are cybersecurity, big data analysis, AI, dynamic pricing in trade, and air and soil quality sensors in the agricultural sector.

According to him, the key is to digitize the business step by step – from a website and online store to test systems and chatbots.

Bulgaria ranks last with less than 20% of businesses using electronic payments and online purchases," Daskalov warned.

Green products and family spirit

Elitsa Boycheva, founder and managing partner of Gama Organica, shared how motherhood inspired her to create natural laundry and cleaning products.

There was nothing on the market that I could say I felt comfortable using – my child has allergies.”

European funding for start-ups allowed her to leave her comfortable corporate career and build a production facility from scratch.

I am proud to say: ‘Made in Kyustendil,” she said, emphasizing that without the grant, she would not have been able to start at this level.

European integration

Martin Stoilkov from the Bulgarian Enterprise Association (BESCO) presented key legislative initiatives to protect business interests: facilitating access to finance, attracting talent, and deregulation.

He recalled that a type of company with variable capital, allowing online registration with minimal capital, had recently been included in the Commercial Law. The Blue Card for foreign specialists is once again in operation, and the Investment Promotion Act was adopted on May 27, 2025, aiming to stimulate projects with medium and high added value.

Stoilkov noted that the country's upcoming accession to the eurozone is not a panacea that will solve all problems related to entrepreneurship and attracting investors.

The euro is not magic – it is important for businesses to prepare proactively and take advantage of opportunities.

Local financing and social entrepreneurship

Radoslav Yordanov from LAG Radomir-Zemen outlined the seven-year history of the group, which has supported over 50 projects with a total investment of over BGN 8 million and created over 160 jobs. These include small farms with modern equipment, family farms, car repair shops, and the first place in Zemen for annual technical inspections.

LAG is an ideal opportunity to start a business. We are looking forward to the new strategy so that everyone can apply."

In addition to agriculture, micro-enterprises in the health sector are also being funded—for example, an ultra-modern ultrasound machine for Radomir, which is not even available in the regional center. Projects for the production of grain foods, 3D printers for dental prostheses, and welding robots are also enriching the local economy.

Co-Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Managing Authority. Neither the European Union nor the Managing Authority can be held responsible for them.

Translated with DeepL.