Coca-Cola HBC Bulgaria has created an innovative space for the students of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”

Coca-Cola HBC Bulgaria and the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” marked a new milestone in their long-term partnership with the opening of a specially designated space for meetings, ideas, and community development

The new “Social room” is part of the faculty’s Business Club and is the first dedicated space of its kind within the university. The company’s investment in improving the educational and social environment of the faculty amounts to over BGN 50,000 and aims to provide students with an informal, inspiring environment for idea exchange, mentorship, project collaboration, and hosting club initiatives and events.

The shared space was officially inaugurated in the presence of representatives from the academic community, Coca-Cola HBC Bulgaria, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Atanas Georgiev – Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration. In his welcome speech, he emphasized the importance of the partnership and stated:
“Student initiatives are an essential part of academic life at the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration. I’d like to thank the Business Club colleagues and our partners from Coca-Cola HBC Bulgaria for transforming this area of our building into a creative space for our community. I look forward to continuing our collaboration with other initiatives of mutual interest.”

“It is a real pleasure to return to the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration at Sofia University, where I graduated years ago. I am glad that today, together with the team at Coca-Cola HBC Bulgaria, we can contribute to creating opportunities for young people. I believe that when business and education work hand in hand, they create value not only for students but for our society.” said Krum Stoimenov, Chief Financial Officer at Coca-Cola HBC Bulgaria, during the opening ceremony.

The new “Social room” is the latest successful initiative developed through the long-standing partnership between the company and the faculty. This collaboration has flourished over the years and includes a variety of projects aimed at the career and personal development of students. The shared space is divided into three separate zones – a designated area for board games, project work, and idea exchange, a chill zone with foosball tables for relaxation, and a cozy study and communication corner designed to foster a pleasant and informal atmosphere.

“For us at the Business Club, it’s a true joy to see how an idea becomes reality thanks to joint efforts and the support of partners like Coca-Cola HBC Bulgaria, without whom this would not have been possible. We believe that the ‘Social Room’ will become a favourite place for students – not only for relaxation and fun but also for generating new ideas, partnerships, and projects.” added Adriana Branicheva, President of the Business Club.

Over the past year, as part of the #YouthEmpowered program, Coca-Cola HBC Bulgaria and the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration jointly implemented a “Finance Academy,” which provided dozens of young people with valuable knowledge and practical experience in finance and business, thanks to the company’s experts. For eight consecutive years, #YouthEmpowered has supported the personal and professional development of young people in Bulgaria by offering practical skills and inspiration for a successful start. Thanks to the dedication of hundreds of expert volunteers from Coca-Cola HBC, more than 31 000 youths aged 16 to 26 from across the country have completed training in key topics since the program’s inception.