A strong private sector depends on a skilled and inclusive workforce. TSA’s Employment and Entrepreneurship program supports overlooked communities—particularly Roma—to access jobs, build businesses, and achieve economic resilience.
Although Roma employment rates have improved—from 16.4% in 2011 to 43.5% in 2019—many still work in low-skilled or informal positions. Barriers such as limited education, lack of financial services, and discrimination persist. TSA envisions a future in which Roma and other marginalized groups participate fully and equitably in Bulgaria’s economy.
The program rests on three interconnected pillars: employment support, entrepreneurship development, and workplace inclusion. Employment support begins with individualized counseling to assess skills and goals. Participants receive job-readiness training, vocational courses linked to labor market needs, and post-placement mentoring to support career advancement. Partnerships with employers open pathways to stable employment.
Entrepreneurship development complements these efforts, especially in underserved regions. Roma entrepreneurs often lack access to credit and mentorship despite strong traditions of enterprise. TSA provides financial literacy training, business planning support, and lease-to-own schemes for small assets such as equipment or land. Regional revolving funds help sustain these initiatives. With a 93% repayment rate and 78% business survival rate, this model demonstrates the power of community-based financing.
Workplace inclusion focuses on transforming organizational culture. TSA’s OPEN training program helps companies build inclusive hiring practices and collaborative work environments. Inclusive workplaces improve innovation, retention, and employee satisfaction—benefiting both business and society.
Research and advocacy further drive change. TSA’s studies on Roma employment and entrepreneurship inform policymakers about barriers and potential solutions. We advocate for improved access to credit, inclusive labor strategies, and recognition of entrepreneurship as a tool for poverty reduction.
Strategic partnerships are essential to our impact. Collaborations with NGOs, financial institutions, and academic partners ensure that solutions are practical and scalable. International partnerships align our efforts with global best practices and long-term sustainability.
Looking ahead, TSA will expand employment support services to more regions, finance additional entrepreneurs, and deliver inclusion training to more companies. We will continue to advocate for equitable access to credit and policies that support inclusive economic growth.