Manager magazine has announced the launch of the "Visionaries of the Regions" national competition, which will honor individuals, companies, and organizations that have contributed to real change in Bulgarian regions. The publication made the announcement. The initiative is held under the auspices of the Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Entrepreneurship. There is no entry fee, and interested parties can submit their documents until October 23. The official awards ceremony is scheduled for January 2027.
Candidates from all regions of Bulgaria are eligible to participate—including both firms and organizations, as well as individual citizens. Nominations can be made by the participants themselves, as well as by their partners, institutions, non-governmental organizations, or citizens who wish to present significant examples of contribution to the environment in which they live. The selection process will be entrusted to well-known Bulgarian figures—reputable experts in the fields of economics, business, culture, social affairs, and academia, the magazine noted.
The competition will identify leading figures in each of the country's seven regions: North-West, North-Central, North-East, South-West, South-Central, South-East, and Sofia-City. Awards will be presented in several distinct categories.
The first category is "Business Visionary." This category seeks companies whose success is measured not only by financial results but also by their tangible contribution to the region—creating jobs, attracting investment, building partnerships with local structures, and implementing innovation. The organizers are looking for businesses with a clear vision for the future and a measurable impact on the economic and social life of the territories in which they operate.
The second category, "Social Impact," is aimed at initiatives and individuals working to improve the quality of life through projects in education, healthcare, ecology, social services, or support for vulnerable groups. Recognition will be given to efforts that have led to lasting and tangible change, as well as those that have united the community around a common cause.
The "Cultural Development" category is intended for individuals and organizations that preserve and develop cultural heritage and create new forms of cultural life. This includes projects that have made culture more accessible, brought people together around shared causes, and turned their respective regions into more welcoming places to live and work.
The fourth category is "Family Business"—it will honor companies that combine tradition with an entrepreneurial approach to build a sustainable development model. The organizers are looking for firms that pass down knowledge and values across generations, invest in modernizing their operations, and maintain a close connection with the local community.
The final category is named "Local Hero" and is intended for people who often remain out of the public eye but make a significant contribution to the development of their community. The organizers explain that this refers to individuals whose dedication, courage, and care for others create real change and serve as an example. Only individuals may participate in this category; companies and organizations are not eligible to apply, the competition organizers specified.