Podcast | The Kyustendil art studio which would not have come to life without European funding

Zdravko Velinov's idea for an architectural art studio was born a long time ago, as he had been involved in the field of design for years. However, in the process of implementing his idea, he realized that if he wanted his projects to be more complete and more high-quality in execution, he needed modern technology. More than 5 years ago, Zdravko saw that a new funding procedure was opening under the "Innovations and Competitiveness" operational program and decided to apply.

However, due to the problems that surrounded the Covid pandemic, the original concept of his architectural studio changed and today Bear Digital Art functions more as an advertising one, or even as a place for digital printing producing logos, photographs and business cards, painting reproductions, cartoons and wallpapers, among other things. 

We also have our own technology for printing on leather," says Velinov. 

With the EU funds, he bought the necessary equipment needed for the optimal functioning of his business. The total budget for the opening of the studio was 125,000 euros - 85,000 came from the EU programme, 15,000 from a Bulgarian national funding scheme and 25,000 from personal funds.

Velinov is adamant that if he had not had access to the European funds, his project would not have happened because, despite the good preliminary plan he had, his own funds would not have been sufficient to carry it out. 

If you have an idea and you really believe that your thing will find success, or you just want to give it a try, my advice is to give it a try, there are enough programs that can help small, medium and large businesses alike."

The entrepreneur says that applying for funding is not complicated and advises others to "be brave and give it a try". 

He himself has already targeted a new European program to further develop his business.

Co-Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Managing Authority. Neither the European Union nor the Managing Authority can be held responsible for them.

Translated by Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov