Manager Magazine is launching the national competition “Visionaries of the Regions”, dedicated to individuals, companies and organisations whose actions are creating tangible change across Bulgaria’s regions. The competition is held under the auspices of the Ministry of Economy, Investment and Industry. Participation is free of charge. Applications are open until 23 October.
Today, as sustainable development increasingly begins at the local level, the regions are becoming drivers of economic growth, social innovation and cultural renewal. Behind this process are visionaries – entrepreneurs, active citizens, creators and organisations that invest time, resources and energy in improving their local environment. “Visionaries of the Regions” aims to highlight these examples and bring them to wider public attention.
Scope
The “Visionaries of the Regions” national competition covers the following seven regions:
• Northwestern – comprising the districts of Vidin, Vratsa, Lovech, Montana and Pleven
• North Central – comprising the districts of Veliko Tarnovo, Gabrovo, Razgrad, Ruse and Silistra
• Northeastern – comprising the districts of Varna, Dobrich, Shumen and Targovishte
• Southwestern – comprising the districts of Blagoevgrad, Kyustendil, Pernik and Sofia Province
• South Central – comprising the districts of Kardzhali, Pazardzhik, Plovdiv, Smolyan and Haskovo
• Southeastern – comprising the districts of Burgas, Sliven, Yambol and Stara Zagora
• Sofia City
Five categories that define the face of change
The winners in the categories described below will be honoured at an official ceremony in January 2027. Companies and individuals from each region will receive awards.
Business Visionary
This category seeks companies that not only achieve economic success but also create value for their region by generating new jobs, making investments, developing local partnerships and introducing innovations. These are businesses with a clear vision for the future and a tangible contribution to the economic and social development of the communities in which they operate.
Social Impact
The focus is on initiatives and individuals that improve quality of life through projects in education, healthcare, environmental protection, social services or support for vulnerable groups. The category recognises efforts that deliver measurable, long-term change and engage the local community.
Cultural Development
This category is dedicated to individuals and organisations that preserve and develop cultural heritage while creating new forms of cultural life. These initiatives make culture accessible, bring communities together and make the regions more attractive places in which to live and grow.
Family Business
This category recognises companies that combine tradition and entrepreneurial spirit while building a sustainable development model. These businesses pass knowledge and values from one generation to the next, invest in modernisation and remain deeply connected to their local communities.
Local Hero
This category gives well-deserved recognition to people who often remain outside the public spotlight but play a key role in the development of their communities. Through their dedication, courage and care for others, these individuals create tangible change and inspire those around them. Only individuals may apply in this category; companies and organisations are not eligible.
What distinguishes true visionaries?
Applications will be assessed according to clear and measurable criteria focusing on:
The aim is to recognise proven examples of effective solutions and tangible contributions.
Jury
Entries will be assessed by prominent Bulgarian figures – highly respected individuals and established experts in the fields of economics, business, culture, social affairs and academia. Meet the members of the jury here.
Applications:
The competition welcomes applications from all regions of the country. Companies, organisations and individuals are eligible to participate. Nominations may be submitted by the candidates themselves or by partners, institutions, non-governmental organisations or citizens wishing to bring meaningful examples to wider public attention.
Why participate?
Taking part in “Visionaries of the Regions” is an opportunity:
Because behind every thriving community is someone who chose to take action.
Be among the winners of the inaugural edition of “Visionaries of the Regions”!
Apply free of charge by 23 October here!
Today, as sustainable development increasingly begins at the local level, the regions are becoming drivers of economic growth, social innovation and cultural renewal. Behind this process are visionaries – entrepreneurs, active citizens, creators and organisations that invest time, resources and energy in improving their local environment. “Visionaries of the Regions” aims to highlight these examples and bring them to wider public attention.
Scope
The “Visionaries of the Regions” national competition covers the following seven regions:
• Northwestern – comprising the districts of Vidin, Vratsa, Lovech, Montana and Pleven
• North Central – comprising the districts of Veliko Tarnovo, Gabrovo, Razgrad, Ruse and Silistra
• Northeastern – comprising the districts of Varna, Dobrich, Shumen and Targovishte
• Southwestern – comprising the districts of Blagoevgrad, Kyustendil, Pernik and Sofia Province
• South Central – comprising the districts of Kardzhali, Pazardzhik, Plovdiv, Smolyan and Haskovo
• Southeastern – comprising the districts of Burgas, Sliven, Yambol and Stara Zagora
• Sofia City
Five categories that define the face of change
The winners in the categories described below will be honoured at an official ceremony in January 2027. Companies and individuals from each region will receive awards.
Business Visionary
This category seeks companies that not only achieve economic success but also create value for their region by generating new jobs, making investments, developing local partnerships and introducing innovations. These are businesses with a clear vision for the future and a tangible contribution to the economic and social development of the communities in which they operate.
Social Impact
The focus is on initiatives and individuals that improve quality of life through projects in education, healthcare, environmental protection, social services or support for vulnerable groups. The category recognises efforts that deliver measurable, long-term change and engage the local community.
Cultural Development
This category is dedicated to individuals and organisations that preserve and develop cultural heritage while creating new forms of cultural life. These initiatives make culture accessible, bring communities together and make the regions more attractive places in which to live and grow.
Family Business
This category recognises companies that combine tradition and entrepreneurial spirit while building a sustainable development model. These businesses pass knowledge and values from one generation to the next, invest in modernisation and remain deeply connected to their local communities.
Local Hero
This category gives well-deserved recognition to people who often remain outside the public spotlight but play a key role in the development of their communities. Through their dedication, courage and care for others, these individuals create tangible change and inspire those around them. Only individuals may apply in this category; companies and organisations are not eligible.
What distinguishes true visionaries?
Applications will be assessed according to clear and measurable criteria focusing on:
- tangible impact on the region and local community
- sustainability of the results achieved
- innovation and potential for further development
- commitment to the local environment and its people
- long-term vision
The aim is to recognise proven examples of effective solutions and tangible contributions.
Jury
Entries will be assessed by prominent Bulgarian figures – highly respected individuals and established experts in the fields of economics, business, culture, social affairs and academia. Meet the members of the jury here.
Applications:
The competition welcomes applications from all regions of the country. Companies, organisations and individuals are eligible to participate. Nominations may be submitted by the candidates themselves or by partners, institutions, non-governmental organisations or citizens wishing to bring meaningful examples to wider public attention.
Why participate?
Taking part in “Visionaries of the Regions” is an opportunity:
- to gain extensive media coverage and national recognition for your work
- to tell your story and inspire others
- to become part of a community of proactive and forward-thinking people
- to demonstrate that successful models can also thrive beyond the major urban centres
Because behind every thriving community is someone who chose to take action.
Be among the winners of the inaugural edition of “Visionaries of the Regions”!
Apply free of charge by 23 October here!
