BUSINESS: 532 PRACTICES
OPAP was founded in 1958 and is the leading company of the Greek gaming industry. It is an integral part of the country, showcasing continuous and consistent contribution to the socio-economic development of Greece.
Read more: www.somethingbetter.gr
“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.
The program started in 2016 and is still active
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.
The pillars of the program are the following:
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: 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: 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: 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: The program offers numerous networking opportunities among the participating companies and other entrepreneurs through a number of exclusive events. Specifically:
According to data from the international non-profit organization Endeavor, the sixty nine (69) companies that have participated in the first five rounds of the “OPAP Forward” program have increased, up to date, their total turnover by 470 million euros and create 2,847 new direct employment positions. Additionally, through the collaborations that have been developed, they support 23.083 additional indirect jobs.
The participating companies are dispersed across the country. Specifically, 56% of them are located in the Greek province as a key objective of the program is to offer substantial support on a national level.
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.
We also collaborate with a network of 70+ successful entrepreneurs and top executives of the Greek Market, as a fundamental priority of the program is to offer strategic guidance to the participating SMEs from this level of brain power . 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 according to the area of their expertise.
Reinforcement of OPAP's profile with regards to our support to the national economy and the society at large
It is worth mentioning that CSR awareness has increased by 30 percentage points since the launch of the program
