On October 2, 2026, Larry Biehl, founder of the Bulgarian Center for Entrepreneurship Foundation, visited Gabrovo together with his two daughters, Heather and Holly Biehl. During the visit, he held a series of meetings with representatives of local government, educational and cultural institutions, social organizations, and the business community to explore opportunities to support the development of the region.
The visitors were welcomed by Kristina Sidorova, Regional Governor of Gabrovo. During the meeting, the “Equal Start” project, led by Georgi Levicharov, was presented. The program included sports activities for children with disabilities and aimed to promote their social inclusion and opportunities for a fulfilling life.
The next stop on the itinerary was the prestigious Aprilov National High School, where Larry Biehl met with students and the school’s principal, Elvira Hristova. In 2025, the Bulgarian Center for Entrepreneurship Foundation awarded scholarships to two talented upper-grade students.
The visit continued at the studio of Yoana Ivanova, an artist who creates works of art from wool and works with children, using creative activities as a form of therapeutic support.
At Ran Bosilek Primary School, Larry Biehl met with students he had first met during a previous visit. The Bulgarian Center for Entrepreneurship Foundation had donated a color 3D printer to the school.
While at the school, the American delegation also attended a rehearsal of “Devet Osmi BG,” a folk dance ensemble affiliated with the Aprilov–Palauzov–1861 Community Cultural Center and led by Ivan Lyubomirov. The visitors joined in the traditional Bulgarian dances, trying their hand at the rachenitsa and pravo horo.
The program also included a meeting with entrepreneurs from Gabrovo Informal. Larry Biehl additionally learned about the work of the Regional Center for Social Economy and Social Innovation, where a meeting was held with representatives of the Maichina Grizha Women’s Charitable Association.
Later that afternoon, the visitors met with Tanya Hristova, Mayor of Gabrovo Municipality. The day concluded with a concert by the Gabrovo Voices Children’s Folk Choir, which showcased Bulgaria’s rich musical and folk-singing traditions.
The Bulgarian Center for Entrepreneurship Foundation expressed its heartfelt gratitude to Ralitsa Manolova, former Regional Governor of Gabrovo and an active community advocate in the region, for her assistance in arranging the meetings and for her collaborative efforts.
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