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Defining your sector 

Q: How do I choose the correct sector for my LEAP application?

A: The LEAP program is designed to bring together a diverse group of professionals from three distinct sectors: Public, NGO, and Private. To ensure a balanced and fair selection process, applicants compete only within their chosen sector. Please carefully review the definitions below to determine which sector best fits your professional profile.

• Public Sector: The public sector is the portion of the economy that is controlled and operated by the government, encompassing all levels of government and government-controlled entities. It provides essential services to the public, such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure, and is typically funded by taxes. Unlike the private sector, the public sector does not primarily aim for profit.

This includes all individuals employed in state administration, local government, municipalities, state-owned enterprises, or any other public institution. This sector is for those whose work is directly related to government functions, public service, and policy implementation. Examples include municipal councilors, mayors, public administrators, and civil servants.

Because of the social importance of their work, all teachers and medical professionals are also considered part of the Public sector, regardless of the ownership of their educational or medical center or registration as a private practice.

To be considered a Public Sector professional, you must have been employed for at least 12 months before the application deadline under a labor or service contract within a municipal, state, or international institution, or have held an elected public position. Employees of state-owned enterprises and state-affiliated NGOs are also categorized under the Public sector when the organization is more than 50% state-owned.

It is important to note that publicly traded companies are not considered part of the Public sector, but rather the Private sector.

• NGO Sector: This category is for professionals who work for or lead a nonprofit organization (NGO). This includes founders, board members, and employees of organizations dedicated to social causes, philanthropy, education, culture, nature conservation, and other non-commercial activities.

To choose the NGO sector as your primary sector for the purposes of LEAP application, you should have served for at least 12 months before the application deadline on an Executive Board or been employed under a labor contract at an NGO with no or less than 50% state or municipal ownership.

Volunteers that have not participated in the management of an NGO cannot apply for LEAP under “NGO sector” professionals.

• Private Sector: This covers individuals who work in private companies, whether they are founders, executives, or employees. This includes entrepreneurs, CEOs, managers, and specialists in any for-profit industry. This sector is for those whose professional experience is primarily within a business environment.

To be considered a Private Sector professional, you must have worked in a private company for at least 12 months before the application deadline.

It is important to note that publicly traded companies are part of the Private sector and not part of the Public sector.

If you have experience in more than one sector, please select the one where you currently have the most significant professional engagement and impact. This will help ensure your application is reviewed alongside peers with similar professional backgrounds and experiences. 

Using AI in your application 

Q: Is it allowed to use artificial intelligence in my application form?

A: While the use of AI is not strictly forbidden, it can significantly decrease your chances of standing out among other candidates. We are looking for your unique, original, and authentic responses.

It is unacceptable to use AI for brainstorming ideas or to generate answers to application questions.

It is acceptable to use AI to refine your expression or correct grammar. However, please note that our evaluators do not deduct points for grammar and expression unless an applicant's overall level of English is insufficient for the program.

Eligibility

Q: Are there any specific requirements for the applicants?

A: Applicants must be Bulgarian citizens from all backgrounds, born 1986 or later, currently residing in Bulgaria, fluent in English, and meet the eligibility requirements and the selection criteria outlined under the "About the program" and “Apply now” pages of the leap.bg website.

Q: Can applicants who have studied in the US apply for the LEAP Program?

A: No. The LEAP Program is intended for candidates with limited prior experience in the United States. You are not eligible to apply if you have:

• Studied at a U.S. high school, college, or university;

• Participated in an exchange program in the U.S. or taken any on-site courses;

• Participated in a U.S.-based program funded by the America for Bulgaria Foundation (ABF).

However, certain experiences in the U.S. do not affect your eligibility. You are still eligible to apply if you have:

• Participated in a Work and Travel program;

• Been on a business trip in the U.S. as long as these work trips are not frequent and you haven`t lived in the US for more than a month;

• Taken online courses from a U.S.-based educational institution.

Q: Do applicants for the LEAP program need to have a business or social entrepreneurship idea at the time of application?

A: No, applicants for the LEAP program do not need to have a business or social entrepreneurship idea to participate.

Q: Can unsuccessful applicants from previous years apply for the program?

A: Yes. All applicants that meet the eligibility criteria listed above are welcome to apply.

Visa and passport

Q: Do I need an international passport and a US visa to apply for the program?

A: No, only if you are selected for the program, you have to have a valid international passport and apply for a US B1/B2 visa, covering the visa fee upfront. This fee will be reimbursed upon arrival in the U.S. (as of May 2025, the visa fee is USD 185).

Health and insurance

Q: Are there any specific health and safety requirements?

A: No, but participants will be required to comply with all health and safety requirements set by the Bulgarian and US authorities and applicable prior to departure, during their stay in the US, and upon return to Bulgaria.

Q: Am I going to have emergency health insurance while in the US?

A: Yes, all selected participants will have emergency health insurance for the duration of the program.

Application process

Q: What is the required format of the Application file that I have to attach to the Application form?

A: Your attached file should be in .doc or .docx format.

Q: Can I send my Application file via e-mail?

A: No. Applications received via email or any other communication tool, or in a format other than the provided template, will not be considered.

Q: Are the interviews online?

A: Yes, all of the interviews and assessments during the application process are going to be conducted online. You will need a camera and a microphone to attend them.

Q: Will I receive feedback on my application?

A: The applicants will not receive any feedback from the application process even if requested.

Program costs

Q: What costs are covered by the program?

A: All program-related costs in the U.S. will be covered by ABLE, including international flights, transportation within the U.S., emergency travel health insurance, food, lodging, and pre-departure and post-arrival events.

Participants will only need to pay:

• the U.S. visa fee in advance, which will be reimbursed upon arrival in the United States (as of May 2025, the visa fee is USD 185);

• All domestic transportation within Bulgaria will be at the expense of the participant.

Logistics

Q: Is LEAP an individual or a group program?

A: LEAP is a group program. Based on the quality of the applicant pool up to 15 participants (5 from each sector) will travel and work together as a group throughout the program.

Q: Can I fly to the US on my own and meet the group there?

A: No, all selected participants are expected to travel as a group. No exceptions will be made.

Q: Can I stay in the US after the Program and organize my return to Bulgaria?

A: No, all selected participants are expected to travel as a group. No exceptions will be made.

Q: Will I have any free time to meet friends or family or attend a business meeting?

A: There will be very limited opportunities to make any personal plans within the timeframe of the Program. All the selected participants will receive a detailed itinerary and will be advised on suitable time periods to arrange any non-program related meetings.

Q: Can I bring my someone to the U.S. with me?

A: No, accompanying persons are not allowed during the program. This policy applies regardless of the fact that they will cover all of their own expenses and organize their travel and accommodation. The LEAP program is highly intensive, and one of its main goals is to foster deep connections and a strong sense of community among the participants. For this reason, the program requires your full and undivided attention throughout its duration.

Prior and after the Program in the U.S.

Q: If I get selected to participate in the U.S. program, what should I expect prior to departure?

A: In addition to the visa application process, all selected participants who will travel to the US must attend a mandatory orientation weekend a few weeks prior to departure to the US.

In addition, each participant will have a 1- to 1.5-hour individual interview with Babson College faculty prior to departure to assess the group’s skill level and tailor the program content accordingly.

There will also be several preparatory assignments, including reading case studies and writing essays, that you are required to complete before your departure for the U.S.

Q: If I get selected to participate in the US program, what should I expect upon return to Bulgaria?

A: The LEAP Program's engagement extends beyond the participants' return to Bulgaria. To conclude their experience, all participants are required to attend two subsequent events: a dedicated meeting with the America for Bulgaria Foundation and ABLE's annual Spring Retreat, as detailed in the program's timeline.

Upon completing the program, LEAP participants are granted the right to become members of ABLE, a unique and dynamic community. ABLE connects over 500 alumni from a number of ABF-funded programs, including the Summer Entrepreneurship Program (SEP), ABLE Activator, and LEAP. The organization serves as a hub for like-minded individuals who are passionate about driving positive change and making Bulgaria a better place. As a member, you will have access to a network of colleagues, co-founders, partners, and suppliers, providing invaluable opportunities for professional growth and personal development.