How to Complete and Submit Your Application (Step-by-Step Guide)

Please note that no additional supporting documents are required. All necessary templates are provided, and the application package consists solely of the online Application Form and the Application File template.

Step 1: Access the Application Form: Click the "Apply Now" button on the LEAP website to open the official application form.

Step 2: Download the Application File Template: Click the Application File link found in the description at the top of the form.

• Important: Please do not click "Request Edit Access." Edit access is intentionally disabled, and requests will not be approved.

• To download your own copy: Go to the top-left menu in Google Docs, click File → Download → Microsoft Word (.docx).

Step 3: Complete the File on Your Computer: Open the downloaded file on your device and fill out all required sections locally.

Step 4: Upload and Submit: Return to the application form, scroll to the file upload section, and attach your completed document.

• Accepted Formats: .doc or .docx only. Files submitted in other formats (such as PDF, Pages, or Google Drive links) will not be accepted.

Before submitting, we strongly encourage you to carefully read our FAQ section, where you will find more detailed information regarding the application process.

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. 

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. 

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.

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 1987 or later, currently residing in Bulgaria, fluent in English, and meet the eligibility requirements and the selection criteria outlined under the "About LEAP" and “Apply” 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;

• 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. Please note that accompanying persons are not permitted.

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: Which email address should I use for my application? 

A: We strongly recommend using a personal email address that you check regularly. This ensures a seamless application process and uninterrupted access throughout the entire LEAP program lifecycle.

If you choose to use a work email (such as name@company.com), please be aware that it could result in issues such as:

• Risk of Account Access Loss: If you change employers during the application or program period, you will lose access to your corporate inbox and miss time-sensitive updates, interview invitations, or program materials.

• Corporate Firewall & Spam Filtering: Strict enterprise IT security protocols often block or flag automated confirmation emails, external attachments, or updates from outside organizations.

• Privacy & Employer Visibility: Corporate email accounts are managed and monitored by your employer's IT department. Using a work email may expose your professional development plans to your current employer.

• Long-Term Network & Alumni Access: LEAP- and ABLE-related communications, resources, and alumni network updates belong to you as an individual. A personal email ensures you retain lifelong access to these benefits regardless of your career transitions.

Q: What should I do if I haven't received an email regarding my application status?

A: Every applicant receives an official email update regarding their application status - both positive and negative - by 23:59 on the announcement date specified on our website.

To ensure you receive our updates without disruption, please verify in advance that your email account is active, has sufficient storage space, and does not have strict rules or technical restrictions blocking external incoming messages.

If you have not received an email by 23:59 on the announcement date, please follow these steps:

1. Check all folders: Look through your Spam, Junk, Promotions, and Update folders.

2. Verify inbox capacity: Ensure your inbox is not full and can receive new emails.

If you encounter technical issues during submission or when receiving automated emails, please try the following troubleshooting solutions:

• Refresh your browser or close and reopen both the browser and the application form.

• Try using a different web browser (e.g., Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari).

• Use a desktop PC or laptop instead of a mobile phone or tablet.

• Double-check that your uploaded Application File is in .doc or .docx format.

• Send a test email to your account to confirm it is actively receiving messages.

If you have completed all of the above steps and still have not received a status email, please contact our support team at leap@ablebulgaria.org.

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

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

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: 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: Due to administrative capacity and the large number of applicants, we cannot offer individual feedback on applications. Thank you for your understanding. 

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 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: Apart from the visa application process, all selected participants who will travel to the US must attend a mandatory orientation weekend a few weeks before 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 you depart for the U.S.

Q: If I am selected for the US program, what should I expect upon my return to Bulgaria?

A: The LEAP experience extends beyond your return to Bulgaria. To conclude the program, all participants attend two follow-up events: a dedicated meeting with the America for Bulgaria Foundation and an ABLE welcome gathering, as outlined in the program timeline.

Upon completing the program, you become eligible to join ABLE - a unique and dynamic community connecting over 550 alumni from ABF-funded programs, including the Summer Entrepreneurship Program (SEP), ABLE Activator, and LEAP. ABLE serves as a hub for like-minded individuals passionate about driving positive change in Bulgaria. As a member, you will gain access to a strong network of peers, co-founders, partners, and suppliers, offering invaluable opportunities for personal and professional growth. Your active involvement with ABLE is also a meaningful way to give back to the community.