What bugs you?
🔸 An injustice you keep noticing.
🔸 A gap in your community you run into again and again, and again…
🔸 A problem people complain about all the time – but no one really does anything about.
Let’s be honest: you have two options.
You can keep complaining about what bugs you.
Or you can do something about it.
Next Step Buddy is for people who choose to do something – but do not yet know where to start.
This is a one-month programme for people with early-stage ideas for social innovation who need structure, practical tools, and support to turn a rough idea into a clear concept and an action plan.
We are looking for 8 ideas with real social value – ideas that are still taking shape, but already show strong potential.
Not polished. Not perfect. Just worth building.
At Next Step Buddy, you will learn how to:
🔸 turn a rough idea to structured, pitch-ready concept
🔸 understand the problem, audience, and value behind it
🔸 communicate your idea in a way that gains attention, trust, and support
🔸 prepare your project for its first steps in the real world
The programme includes one-to-one mentoring sessions with experts from HP Inc. and Single Step and culminates in an open-to-the-public Shark Tank event, during which participants will present their ideas to a jury.
Check out the full schedule below.
Programme Schedule
4th April (Sat) • 10:00 — 13:00 h
Opening + Growth Mindset
The mindset and psychology of success (workshop)
5th April (Sun) • 10:00 — 13:00 h
From Idea to Success
Tools to make it happen (workshop)
8th April (Wed) • 18:30 — 20:00 h
Turn AI into a Super Assistant
(workshop)
15th April (Wed) • 18:30 — 20:00 h
Mapping Your Path
Design Thinking and Theory of Change (workshop)
22nd April (Wed) • 18:30 — 20:00 h
Storytelling for Impact
(lecture)
4th — 10th May • TBD
Mentoring Meetings
Personal sessions with your assigned buddy
13th May (Wed) • 18:30 — 20:00 h
Shark Tank
Closing Event
Important Notice
Attendance is mandatory. A maximum of one missed session is permitted.
We reserve the right to change session dates depending on the availability of lecturers.
Тhree ideas will be supported and earn:
🔸 one grant of €1000
🔸 two grants of €500
Participants
If any of this sounds like you – you’re probably exactly who we’re looking for. You can apply as an individual or team of two. Our ideal participants:
🔸 Have a social problem they genuinely care about
🔸 Have little or no prior experience in activism, civil society, or community organising
🔸 Are willing to commit to all five sessions and the finale
🔸 Are based in Sofia (The organisers will not cover travel and accommodation expenses.)
🔸 Aged 18 – 36 years old.
Practical information
The program will run from April 3 to May 10, 2026.
All events will be held in person at The Steps – a space where safety, respect, and support come first.
The program will be conducted in both Bulgarian and English.
Application
You can apply to participate in the Next Step Buddy programme until March 29 by clicking the button below. Approved participants will receive a confirmation email by April 1.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@singlestep.bg.
Good luck!
