Now & Next-Gen
Family Program 1.0

Honor the Past. Lead the Now.
Shape What's Next.

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Why This Program, Why Now?

Family businesses are built on legacy. But growth requires clarity, structure, and strong transitions.

Across Bulgaria, many family businesses are at a crossroads:

Founders are beginning to step back.
Now-Gen leaders are stepping in — often without a clear path.
Next-Gen is watching, questioning, and pushing for change.
Roles and expectations are shifting — but rarely discussed openly.

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And the complexity isn't just operational — it's emotional too...

That’s why we created the first:

Now & Next-Gen Family Program

A 1-month limited edition for female and male family leaders, built around four focused modules:

Module 1: Vision & Strategic Foundations

Define a shared vision for the future
Align family and business goals
Set a clear roadmap for growth and long-term success

Where are we going — and are we aligned?

Module 2: Leadership & Family Dynamics

Clarify roles and responsibilities across generations
Manage conflict and balance power dynamics
Strengthen communication and shared decision-making

How do we lead as a family — not despite it?

Module 3: Succession & Ownership Transfer

Prepare for smooth leadership and ownership transitions
Address both the legal and emotional sides of succession
Build governance structures and a family constitution

How do we pass on leadership — and stay a family?

Module 4: Capital & Growth

Explore diverse financing and growth opportunities
Understand private capital, investments, and strategic partnerships
Separate business finances from family wealth

How do we fund growth — and protect our legacy?

In strategic partnership with:

Who are we looking for?

For the first time, we are welcoming both women and men family leaders, who are:

From family-owned businesses (50%+ ownership)
Now-Gen (35–45+):In a leadership role (management or strategic planning)
Next-Gen (18–35):Actively involved or preparing to take on responsibility
Based in Bulgaria, generating EUR 250K+ in annual revenue

But why mixed edition?

From day one, F.A.M.E has empowered women founders, investors, and leaders.
That mission still drives everything we do.

But family businesses are different. They don’t grow in silos — they grow through dialogue. Succession, ownership, and leadership transitions involve the entire family.

That’s why we are opening the doors to both women and men in this special edition. It is not a shift in focus — it’s a response to a real need in Bulgaria today.

A shared vision across generations and genders. A shared space to learn from each other.

It’s still F.A.M.E — just through a new lens, for a once-in-a-generation moment..

Timing

Our partners

The program is made possible by the support of our amazing partners:

FAQs

Who can apply?

If you are part of a family-owned business (50%+ ownership) and belong to the Now-Gen or Next-Gen, you are the right fit for us.

This edition is open to both women and men, reflecting the reality of family business today.

Minimum requirement: Companies based in Bulgaria with at least EUR 250k annual revenue.

What do you mean by Now-Gen and Next-Gen?

Now-Gen – The current generation actively leading and managing the family business (often 35–45+ years old). They are already in charge of strategic decisions, operations, or ownership.

Next-Gen – The emerging generation (often 18–35 years old), already involved in the family business but not yet the main decision-makers. They may be gaining experience in different departments, preparing to take on leadership, or driving innovation and change.

Can first-generation founders also join?

Yes! While the program is designed for Now-Gen and Next-Gen leaders, first-generation founders are more than welcome to join the sessions. Having multiple generations in the room often makes the dialogue richer and outcomes stronger.

Why a mixed edition?

We believe dialogue is strongest when different perspectives meet. By bringing both women and men together, this edition reflects the real dynamics of family businesses today.

How does the application process work?

You can apply by submitting your application here.

Providing detailed responses will help us evaluate your family business thoroughly. Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for clarifications before the final selection.

Applications close on 17 October 2025.

What’s the format of the program?

A focused 1-month journey of four weekly modules, combining interactive workshops, real family case studies, and peer exchange. The modules are led by top business experts, who work daily with family businesses — ensuring every discussion is practical, relevant, and directly applicable.

Who are the experts leading the sessions?

M1 Vision & Strategic Foundations:

Diana Nikolaeva - Partner, Strategy and Transactions, at EY (Ernst & Young) Bulgaria, a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction, and advisory services.

M2 Leadership & Family Dynamics:

Maria Shishkova - Managing Partner at AIMS Human Capital Bulgaria and Global Head of Talent Management at AIMS International , a global organisation active in executive search and leadership development in over 50 countries.

M3 Succession & Ownership Transfer:

Petya Murgova - Founder and Managing Partner at Murgova & Partners , attorney-at-law and certified mediator.

M4 Capital & Growth:

Senior Experts from Karoll Financial Group , a Bulgarian financial group offering the full spectrum of financial products and services:

Angel Rabadzhiyski - CEO at Karoll Brokerage, a leading stock broker in Bulgaria.

Atanas Jordanov - Principal at Karoll Investment , an Oaklins member firm, offering strategic advice on mergers & acquisitions and capital market deals.

Bistra Koceva - Procurator at Karoll Capital Management , a leading asset management firm.

What is the time commitment?

The program runs throughout November, with four weekly in-person sessions on Thursday afternoons (3.5–4 hours each). It begins with a Kick-off on 30 October and concludes with a Closing & Celebration on 27 November.

Full participation is highly recommended to get the most value from the program.

What is the cost for participation?

In order to create a high-quality program, we charge a participation fee of EUR 500 per participant, which includes all workshops, resources, and networking events.

Who is your strategic partner FBN-Bulgaria?

Family Business Network (FBN) – Bulgaria is an organization, whose mission is to support the environment of family business development in Bulgaria.

FBN-Bulgaria is a member of Family Business Network–International (FBN-I) – an international organization uniting more than 3,500 respected family companies from around the world, including the Swarovski family, the Beretta family, the Heineken family, and many others.

What makes this program unique?

This is the first F.A.M.E program open to both women and men, designed for a once-in-a-generation moment of leadership transition in Bulgarian family businesses.

You will gain practical tools in vision, succession, governance, and growth — while learning alongside Now-Gen and Next-Gen leaders in a shared space for dialogue across generations and genders.

What are you waiting for?

Be among the first family businesses to set the standard for leadership, succession, and growth in Bulgaria!