The initiative is implemented with the strategic support of EY Bulgaria, Karol Financial Group, the Bulgarian Women's Business Council (BWBC), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and ProCredit Bank.

What is FAME Growth Program 3.0?

The goal of FAME is to take women leaders out of the operational grind and give them the space to think strategically on a larger scale. Participants will receive:

• 11 practical modules: Topics such as growth strategy, process optimization, sales, and entering new markets.
• Individual mentoring and access to leading experts and business opportunities.
• Support ecosystem, built by partners, investors and role models.

Application conditions

The program is aimed at growing companies that meet the following criteria:

• Leadership – with a female founder or next-generation lady in a family business who has taken on a leadership role.
• Product – A validated product or service on the market with potential for growth at an international level.
• Revenue: Realized revenue from minimum 125 thousand euros over the past year.

Deadline and registration

Applications are accepted online at the site of FAME to February 15, 2026. For further information, please contact Ms. Victoria Karoleva FAME, Tel.: +359 895 749 217, Email: vkaroleva@oneoffame.com

You can also find out about other current news, trainings and international projects of the Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the section „"NEWS"“ or check out our CALENDAR for upcoming events.

Overcoming digital barriers

Despite technological advances, young people with hearing impairments still face significant obstacles in the digital environment such as:

• Lack of accessible content, such as subtitles or sign language translation in online training modules.
• Platforms that are not optimized for visual communication, which limits interaction between interns, mentors, and companies.

The QSA4Disability project emphasizes that inclusion does not happen automatically with digitalization – it requires conscious planning and design, content adaptation, and most of all – willingness and readiness.

Quality standards and practical tools

To move from partial measures to structured inclusion and adaptation, the project developed an innovative „Quality Standard for Distance Apprenticeship“. The main elements of this training standard are:

• Operational protocols: Clear guidelines for communication and interaction between interns, mentors and employers.
• Training and awareness tools: Resources for those involved in vocational education (VET) and employers.
• Digital monitoring: Progress tracking systems that support students throughout their learning journey.

In line with European priorities

The goals of QSA4Disability are directly tied to strategic documents such as European Disability Rights Strategy 2021-2030 and Digital Education Action Plan. By improving skills and employment, the project contributes to building a more accessible and equal labor market.

Digitalization alone does not guarantee inclusion, but inclusive digitalization can transform human destinies. Distance apprenticeships are a powerful tool through which deaf and hard of hearing people in Europe can gain access to qualifications and meaningful employment. In the future we are building, apprentices with hearing impairments should not simply „fit into“ existing systems, but be recognised as active and full participants in an accessible labour market.

More information about the project and access to the developed materials can be found on the official website: http://qsa4disability.eu.

In this issue of the newsletter you will find information about the key achievements of the partnership in recent months and the important results we have achieved together.

Project QSA4Disability aims to promote a more inclusive apprenticeship programme for deaf and hard of hearing students in Europe by developing an innovative Quality Standard for Distance Apprenticeships. By creating these tools and e-solutions, the aim is to improve the employability of young people with hearing impairments and dispel myths about their professional contribution.

Partners in the project are 8 organizations from Hungary, Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium, Bulgaria, Italy, Greece and Slovenia.

Follow us for more news:

• Website: https://qsa4disability.eu/
• Facebook: @QSA4DISABILITY

What did we present?

The project team introduced the participants to the main activities that will be implemented within the next 24 months, including:

• Creation of a cross-border academy with two centers in Ruse and Craiova. Each of them will have 3 laboratories equipped with automation, robotics, mechatronics, electropneumatics and hydraulics technologies;
• Deploying mobile laboratories that will reach remote areas and provide access to training for vulnerable groups;
• Development of a digital platform with online training, virtual workshops and practical resources;
• Conducting Skill Booster Accelerator Program – practical training on Industry 4.0
• Creating a cross-border exchange and experiential learning program that will enable young people and specialists from Bulgaria and Romania to visit innovative companies, gain real-world experience, and build new professional contacts.
• Holding 15 demonstration events in the cross-border region, which will combine innovative demonstrations, training and real-world examples of the application of new technologies.

The event was also attended by 12th grade students from the Vocational High School of Electrical Engineering and Electronics "Apostol Arnaudov" - Ruse and representatives from the Vocational High School of Woodworking and Interior Architecture "Yosif Vondrak" - Ruse. The young people showed interest in the opportunities that SkillsBridge will open up to them - training with state-of-the-art technologies, real practice and first steps in the professions of the future.

Why SkillsBridge is important

The cross-border Romanian-Bulgarian region shares the same challenges – a shortage of qualified personnel, limited access to innovative training and low digital literacy.
• Only 1% of the population participates in lifelong learning (on average 9.2% in the EU);
• Over 70% of people lack specific technical and digital skills, especially those related to the needs of Industry 4.0 – automation, mechatronics, industrial systems and digital production processes;
• Barely 9.1% of Bulgarian companies invest in training their employees in these specific areas of ICT and digitalization;
• Romania has the lowest share of apprenticeship training in the EU – 8.4% (at average 60% for the EU).

SkillsBridge and the results it will achieve act as a bridge between education and business, making training more accessible, practical and oriented towards the needs of the labor market. The project will give more people a chance to build modern skills, increase the competitiveness of the region and promote sustainable economic development on both sides of the Danube.

The program provides financial support for the implementation of joint innovative initiatives that promote sustainability, digitalization and collaboration in tourism.

Key parameters of the invitation:

• Financing:
  • 15,000 euros – Pioneers category
  • 25,000 euros – category "Inspirators"
• Candidates: partnerships of 2–5 independent organizations, at least 50% of which must be tourism SMEs.
• Application deadline: November 26, 2025, 11:59 p.m. (Central European Time).
• Submission language: all documents are completed in English. For convenience, a translation into Bulgarian for information purposes is provided. available here.

Additional support for candidates

In support of interested businesses, Chamber of Commerce and Industry–Vratsa will organize information day in the city of Vratsa, Hristo Botev Square, House of Culture, 2nd floor, on September 17, 2025 at 10:30 a.m.

The full package of application documents (conditions and applications) is available on the official project website: inspires-tourism.eu/calls-for-projects.

For questions and additional information, you can contact the project team:
092/66 02 71
ccivr.inspires@gmail.com
Contacts: Ms. Svetlana Borisova, Ms. Galina Gavrilova

The project continues its mission to create a more inclusive internship and work program in Europe through the innovative Distance Learning Quality Standard.

• Transferring the project results to a wider audience and adapting them in different contexts and practices;
• Validation of results;
• Creating a community of professionals committed to inclusive vocational training;

As an active partner in the project, the Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) also joined the training. RCCI plays a key role in disseminating the results of QSA4Disability among local businesses and vocational education institutions. In implementing the initiative, the Chamber is committed to:

With its professional experience in working with businesses, RTIK adds value to companies by helping them implement sustainable accessibility practices that not only improve social responsibility, but also increase opportunities to attract new talent, especially among young people with hearing impairments.

All participants received access to the specially developed e-Space platform where the framework for developing quality inclusive remote apprenticeship programs was presented. This standard is designed to support deaf and hard of hearing people by providing practical guidance for companies wishing to develop and implement high-quality remote apprenticeship programs.

The main tools developed and included in the quality framework for distance learning internships are:

Companies can start by familiarizing themselves with the tools, assessing their current practices, implementing the recommended approaches, and ultimately applying for and receiving the “QSA4Disability Badge” – a badge that certifies their commitment to inclusive learning.

Over three days, participants went through five sessions with different topics, which covered:

The training provided valuable practical knowledge and guidance for the application of QSA4Disability tools in real work environments. With the assistance of the Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the project results will reach local businesses, providing possible solutions for creating

By building a community of professionals familiar with the challenges facing deaf and hard of hearing people, the project creates conditions for more accessible and equal professional training and employment.

From Norway to Bulgaria – green innovations in action

The round table started with online inclusion of Christian Wie – CEO of the Norwegian company Proneowho presented the project Verdal Green Industrial ParkThe ambitious undertaking aims transforming one of Norway's largest industrial parks into a model for sustainable industry, betting on reducing carbon emissions, optimizing energy resources and developing a circular economy.

The event continued with the inclusion of Dr. Eng. Vesselin Todorov, founder of VVT Engineering and chairman of Solar Academy Bulgaria, presented current data and trends in the development of renewable energy in BulgariaThe main emphasis was placed on the development of photovoltaic systems, as well as the challenges related to regulations and energy storage infrastructure, while his colleague from VVT Engineering, Mr. Petar Somov, presented the company's successes in developing photovoltaic systems, autonomous energy projects and intelligent energy management solutions.

Business in Ruse and sustainable energy solutions

An important part of the program was the presentation of leading companies from Rusewho shared their experiences and projects related to green energy and technological innovation:

• Hay Group Ltd – more than 20 years of experience in the design and construction of photovoltaic systems.
• VIP Solar Bulgaria – specialists in the construction of solar parks and charging stations for electric vehicles.
• Proptes Ltd. – solutions for energy efficiency and automation in building management.
• GigaCharger Ltd – developers of electric vehicle charging stations.
• Netsolar Ltd – innovative projects for solar parks and hybrid energy systems.
• Networx NRG – digital solutions for energy management and monitoring.

Their participation was a valuable opportunity to promote its innovative developments and establish new contacts with experts and partners. Events like this provide a platform for presenting sustainable solutions, which are beneficial not only for business, but also for society as a whole.

Financial opportunities for business in 2025

One of the key topics was financial support for green projects in 2025 Diana Avramova, Manager of the Ruse Regional Center, presented upcoming mechanisms for applying for national programsthat will help businesses in the transition to more efficient and sustainable energy solutions, as well as other non-financial opportunities in the form of vouchers for training of specialists.

Discussion – carbon neutrality and the future

Within the discussion panel, the participants presented different perspectives on sustainable energyOne of the main debates was how much electric cars are truly carbon neutral – whether the extraction of battery materials and their recycling neutralize the effect of the lack of emissions during operation.

Another key question was the need for diversification of the energy system – in addition to photovoltaic and wind farms, it was emphasized the role of biomethane, hydrogen, hydropower and biomass as alternative sources that can ensure grid stability and sustainable development. In the final part, representatives of the University of Ruse, the local administration and business discussed the possibilities for better cooperation and the integration of innovations in the industry.

The Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry continues to be an active mediator between business, science and local authoritiesSuch events create new opportunities for cooperation, exchange of good practices and sustainable economic growth.

Lack of sufficient information and limited resources make it difficult for deaf and hard of hearing people to access these services. For example, according to unofficial data, there are about 120,000 deaf citizens in Bulgaria, but after the introduction of the interpretation service, only 140 applications have been submitted.

Training and education

Education is another area where deaf and hard of hearing youth face serious difficulties. Many study in mainstream schools without access to sign language instruction, which hinders their learning and socialization. The shortage of qualified teachers fluent in sign language further complicates the learning process. Data from the first-ever study in Bulgaria, "Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth Can Too" (2023), on the linguistic and cultural identity of deaf and hard of hearing youth reveal that 75% of teachers in special schools do not use Bulgarian Sign Language (BSL). Current and former students with hearing impairments rate their education and school experiences poorly. Nearly 55% of surveyed students and graduates with hearing impairments express a desire for bilingual education, meaning they want to learn both Bulgarian Sign Language and written Bulgarian simultaneously.

In the workforce, deaf and hard of hearing young people often encounter prejudice and a lack of understanding from employers. Despite possessing high qualifications and skills, they struggle to secure jobs due to communication barriers and a lack of awareness about their capabilities.

The experience of Western Europe

Unlike Bulgaria, countries such as Denmark, the Netherlands, Austria, and Germany have more successful integration policies for deaf and hard of hearing individuals. These countries have well-developed support systems, including access to sign language education, specialized vocational training programs, and active policies promoting employment for the deaf and hard of hearing, particularly young people. Society in these countries is more informed and accepting of people with hearing impairments, facilitating their full integration into economic and social life.

To improve the situation of deaf and hard of hearing youth in Bulgaria, a well-coordinated state policy is needed in the following areas:

• Raising awareness among the public about sign language and deaf culture, which can be done through media campaigns.
• Providing qualified translators and facilitating access to translation services.
• Improving the education system by including sign language in the learning process and training teachers.
• Encouraging employers to hire deaf and hard of hearing employees and providing support for adapting workplaces.
• Only through targeted efforts and changes in policies and societal attitudes can deaf and hard of hearing youth in Bulgaria achieve full economic and social integration.

The role of the Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry in supporting deaf and hard of hearing youth

In the context of efforts to improve the labor integration of deaf and hard of hearing young people in Bulgaria, the Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry is implementing the project QSA4Disability. It aims to create a new standard for distance apprenticeships, specifically adapted for people with disabilities, including those with hearing impairments. This standard for distance apprenticeships (composed of tools, electronic solutions and activities) will create a more inclusive vocational education and training and business environment that promotes equality and equity for this vulnerable group. This is particularly important given the challenges that deaf young people face in finding a job, due to communication barriers and lack of awareness on the part of employers. Initiatives such as “QSA4Disability” are creating conditions for easier access to the labor market and full economic integration of deaf young people in Bulgaria.

The project is essential for young people with hearing impairments, as it offers an innovative approach to vocational training through distance learning forms of apprenticeship. This allows these young people to acquire practical skills and experience without the need for physical presence, which is often associated with communication barriers and a lack of accessible environments. By creating standardized distance learning programmes, the project facilitates the transition of young people with hearing impairments from education to employment, increases their competitiveness on the labour market and promotes their social integration.

The inclusion of such initiatives as "QSA4Disability" and the already completed project "Signing Banks" is essential for overcoming the existing challenges facing deaf and hard of hearing young people in Bulgaria and for creating a more inclusive and supportive environment that would allow them to fully participate in the economic and social life of the country.

What will the program offer?

• Duration: 3 months;
• Training: Combination of theoretical and practical modules;
• Mentoring: Individual sessions with leading experts;
• Networking: Opportunities to connect with investors and business leaders;
• Focus: Sustainable growth and innovation.

Participation criteria:

• Target group: The program is aimed at women founders or co-founders of companies, as well as women from the next generation in family businesses;
• Business development stage: Companies with an established product or service and potential for expansion;
• Territorial scope of the program: Companies registered in Bulgaria;
• Revenue: achieved sales of at least 100 thousand euros in 2024.

Why participate?

Participation in FAME Growth Program 2.0 provides an opportunity to expand your network of contacts, gain valuable experience and receive expert support for the development of your business.

Application deadline: February 16, 2025

RTIK actively works for the development of business in the region, informs, supports, unites and creates conditions for the growth of companies. Supporting initiatives such as FAME Growth Program 2.0 is part of our mission to promote entrepreneurship, support women leaders and create a platform for the exchange of knowledge and good practices. By promoting FAME Growth Program 2.0The Ruse Chamber strives to provide local businesses with access to valuable resources, mentorship, and development opportunities.

More information and application details can be found on the program website: https://oneoffame.com/grow/