“OPAP Forward” Program
“OPAP Forward” program is designed to offer a unique opportunity to fast growing Small Medium Businesses, so that through their development, these companies will unleash their full potential and generate new jobs.
For the implementation of the program OPAP collaborates with the global non-profit organization Endeavor. Endeavor supports the most promising companies worldwide helping them capitalize their potential through a unique network of seasoned business leaders. With Endeavor’s support, the selected companies will be able to grow fast create jobs and contribute to the growth of the economy as a whole.
Program Description
Fast growing SMEs are vital to our economy and society. With Greece’s current high unemployment rates, supporting the growth of these companies will help create new jobs, spur innovation and restore the Greek market and economy.
The companies that join the program gain access to useful data and information as well as to a powerful business network that allow them to grow further by overcoming challenges and difficulties in order to develop into successful and large enterprises that innovate, export, disrupt their sectors and, consequently, create new work positions.
Program Results
According to data from the international non-profit organization Endeavor, the eighty one (81) companies that have participated in the first six rounds of the “OPAP Forward” program have increased, up to date, their total turnover by 551 million euros and create 3,067 new direct employment positions. Additionally, through the collaborations that have been developed, they support 24.023 additional indirect jobs.
Integrated Strategic Guidance
Integrated Strategic Guidance
Integrated strategic guidance is key to a company’s growth. Based on this premise, OPAP offers the participating companies the opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss their challenges and needs with a group of successful entrepreneurs and top executives, who have experienced similar challenges in the past, have successfully managed to grow their business, resulting in value creation for the economy and society. A suitable mentor will be assigned to each company after taking into consideration their specific needs and strategic priorities. Mentor and entrepreneur will be working together throughout the duration of the program. At the same time, this mentor network will remain at the disposal of the participating companies, to offer guidance and customized support to the participating companies depending on the area of their expertise.
Functional Training
Functional Training
In the context of the program, educational seminars, covering key functional areas of any business such as business strategy, operations, financial management, human resources management, sales and communication, will be organized. The trainings will be conducted by experienced consultants and business executives, who also share their knowledge and expertise, always in reference to specific examples and case studies, either from local or international markets.
Access to Investors
Access to Investors
Through the program, the participating companies gain access to a network of investors and, in collaboration with the National Bank of Greece a leading banking institution, they have the opportunity to investigate their investment and funding options.
International Market Prospects
International Market Prospects
The participating companies have access to Endeavor’s international network, depending on their specific needs. Through their contact with experienced members of the market, the entrepreneurs who are interested in international expansion, are informed on their target markets and are being supported in designing an integrated strategic plan for the expansion of their operation.
Networking
Networking
The program offers numerous networking opportunities among the participating companies and other entrepreneurs through a number of exclusive events. Specifically:
WorkshopsSmall working group discussions around topics that cater to the needs of entrepreneurs, facilitating the exchange of ideas among the participants and meetings with Endeavor Entrepreneurs from Greece and abroad.
Investment daysSpecial events where participating companies will have the chance to meet Greek based investors and present their ventures in order to receive funding.
International EventsProgram participants will have the chance to take part in an international trade show or conference in order to explore their foreign expansion prospects
Graduation dayThe Graduation Day signals the end of the “OPAP Forward” journey for the entrepreneurs while at the same time offering the opportunity to share their experience with seasoned professionals from the business world.
For any clarification or information regarding your application form for “OPAP Forward” program, you can call at 210 3624812 or send an email at opapforward@endeavor.org.