13.10.2023 Ivana Tsaneva from BDB Microfinancing presented an award for an innovative company

16 companies from all over Bulgaria became finalists in the "Big Small" competition organized by the "24 Chasa" newspaper. Nine of them impressed the competent jury with innovative fire alarm systems, toys that can be rented, anhydrous cosmetics, donkey milk probiotics, production of various kiwi products, etc., and were awarded at a special ceremony in Sofia Tech Park.

The executive director of BDB Microfinancing, Ivana Tsaneva, presented an award in the "Innovative company" category to the company Kiwi owned by Albena Popova. "As a representative of BDB, I can't help but feel happy to be here to reward the "small ones". Know that every big journey starts with a small step. I don't see these funds just as financial aid but as an opportunity and belief that you are doing the right things," Ivana Tsaneva said at the award ceremony.

Kiwi OOD is a family company from Petrich, which grows the eponymous fruit that is not typical for Bulgarian agriculture. 30 years ago, the family inherited 5 decares with the plant. They mustered the courage to try the next level - to process Bulgarian kiwi and produce various products from it - fruit wine, jam, kiwi vinegar, tea and even cosmetics. Their kiwi adventure does not rely on subsidies. They dream of one day making their own tasting room - Terra Kiwi, where they can welcome connoisseurs of clean food. "Thank you for noticing us, because we are so small that we are almost invisible. This year the company turns 10 years old and maybe it is not a coincidence that we are here. We go to bed with the idea of giving up and in the morning we continue with the plans, but we will not stop," Albena Popova said.

BDB Microfinancing is part of the Bulgarian Development Bank Group. The company's mission is to lend a hand to companies without a history and micro-companies that need working capital for growth. From its establishment until today, BDB Microfinancing has granted BGN 83 million for the development of 944 micro- and small enterprises in the country under a total of 1,338 projects.