Emiliya Ivanova
Horizon Partners
Iceland
English Bulgarian
I have supported numerous SMEs through my work as a grant writer and advisor for EU and Icelandic funding programs, including Horizon Europe, EIC Accelerator, and Eurostars. My focus has been on early-stage, deep-tech, and impact-driven ventures, many of which operate in creative, tourism, and sustainability-related sectors - areas closely connected to the BE sector. I've helped founders refine business strategies, secure funding, and develop scalable models. I also mentor women entrepreneurs through programs like the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) and the Association of Business Women in Iceland (FKA), many of whom lead SMEs contributing to or intersecting with the BE sector. My legal background further enables me to support clients in regulatory and IP-related challenges, often critical for event-driven and service-based industries. My experience positions me well to support BE sector stakeholders working toward innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity.
Experiences
Climate change and circularity: contributing to carbon neutrality, the circular economy and sustainable mobility.
I've supported SMEs developing sustainable solutions in clean tech, circular economy, and green transition through programs like Horizon Europe and EIC Accelerator. I help translate climate impact into strong business cases and ensure alignment with EU Green Deal goals.
Talent and inclusion: upskilling and future capabilities, more accessible events and diverse participation.
I mentor women-led startups through AWE and FKA and lead the We Are Capable initiative to create employment for neurodivergent individuals. My work focuses on inclusive innovation, accessible business models, and supporting underrepresented founders.
Governance and impact: regenerative business models with lasting impact, cross-sector and local communities’ platforms, profitability and tech access.
I guide SMEs in developing scalable, socially impactful business models. My work combines legal expertise, funding strategy, and IP advice, ensuring projects are ethical, inclusive, and designed for long-term impact across sectors and communities.
Other experiences
In addition to the above, I bring cross-sector expertise in legal strategy, intellectual property, and EU policy alignment-key to scaling innovation in the business events sector. I help SMEs bridge innovation and compliance, ensuring long-term viability and ethical growth. I also work closely with public bodies, NGOs, and startups to build inclusive, impact-driven strategies aligned with EU goals in gender equality, accessibility, and sustainability. My wide experience allows me to support both early-stage and mature organizations in designing collaborative, high-impact initiatives within and beyond the BE ecosystem.