Module 2 of the Business Academy for start-up entrepreneurs in Blagoevgrad was dedicated to the development of the entrepreneurial idea. The lecturer, Maria Sheytanova, is a former Executive Director and member of the Board of Directors of TOKUDA Bank and the Bulgarian-American Credit Bank, a consultant and entrepreneur with extensive experience in structuring and restructuring, optimization and efficiency improvement projects.

The participants got acquainted with the path and processes from the birth of the idea to its practical implementation; what are the research stages, the market environment, the foreseeable risks and how should they be reflected in the business plan. Ms. Sheytanova emphasized the difference between a business idea and an entrepreneurial opportunity, noted the influence of various factors such as the environment, industry, markets and people, as well as the possibilities for overcoming these challenges.

Future entrepreneurs learned what a successful business plan should include, the key moments and arguments in it and how everything should be presented.

In the second part of the lecture, the seven newly-formed teams started working on cases prepared beforehand such as how to develop a botanical garden with an amusement park, how to develop a fitness club for young mothers, etc. The teams then presented their results which attracted great interest.

The trainees also conducted a “test drive” of their new business, and Mrs. Sheytanova answered many questions about the types of financing and their applicability in accordance with the specific business and situation.

About the lecturer:

Maria Sheytanova, former Executive Director and member of the Board of Directors of TOKUDA Bank and the Bulgarian-American Credit Bank, consultant and entrepreneur with extensive experience in structuring and restructuring, optimization and efficiency improvement projects. She has a master’s degree in business administration from London Business School and a master’s degree in domestic trade from The University of National and World Economy.