On 10 November 2026, Sofia will host EYE CONNECT, an event bringing together aspiring and established entrepreneurs, representatives of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), mentors and organisations supporting business growth and entrepreneurship.

How can you build successful international partnerships? Where can start-ups find opportunities for funding and growth? And how can working alongside an experienced entrepreneur help turn a business idea into reality?

These are some of the questions at the heart of EYE CONNECT, organised by ICT Cluster in partnership with the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Fund of Funds, within the YEIM UP project under the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme.

International Experience, Practical Insights and New Business Connections

EYE CONNECT will showcase the opportunities offered by the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme, which supports exchanges between new and experienced entrepreneurs from different countries.

Participants will discover how aspiring entrepreneurs can gain hands-on experience abroad by working alongside established business owners, while experienced entrepreneurs can benefit from fresh perspectives, new ideas and international collaboration by hosting an entrepreneur in their business.

The programme will also feature:

• Start-up Funding Opportunities – an introduction to funding instruments and initiatives presented by the Fund of Funds.

• European Programmes and Opportunities – insights into European initiatives supporting entrepreneurship and business development.

• Entrepreneurial Stories and First-hand Experience – real-life experiences, challenges and lessons learned from participants in international business exchanges.

• Business Challenge Workshop – an interactive session where participants will work in teams on real business challenges with the support of mentors.

• Discover & Connect – an interactive networking activity designed to bring together people with different backgrounds, interests and business challenges, creating opportunities for meaningful connections and future collaboration.

Confirmed speakers include Jorge Canovas, Policy Adviser to the Director of EISMEA, who will join the event online, and Yuri Konstantinov, Chief Expert at the Human Resource Development Centre (HRDC), who will present opportunities under Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps.

Following the official programme, participants will have the opportunity to continue conversations, exchange contacts and explore potential collaborations during a networking cocktail.

Who Should Attend?

EYE CONNECT is designed for:

• Aspiring entrepreneurs and people with business ideas;

• Start-up founders and representatives of small and medium-sized enterprises;

• Established entrepreneurs interested in sharing their experience and becoming host entrepreneurs through the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme;

• Mentors and organisations supporting entrepreneurship and innovation.

Registration

Places are limited! Secure your spot and take the opportunity to connect with people who can help move your business forward.

📅 Date: 10 November 2026

🕛 Registration and welcome: 12:00 PM

🕐 Official programme: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

📍 Venue: Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 9 Iskar Street, Sofia, Bulgaria.

🔗 Register here: https://forms.gle/nAD21ryf42if6qxB9

EYE CONNECT – MEET. EXCHANGE. MOVE FORWARD.