The foundation of the Economic Institute in Svishtov is connected with the town's history through the period of the Bulgarian National Revival. The town of Svishtov won recognition as an important commercial centre where a number of educational and cultural institutions were founded through the bright years of the Bulgarian Renaissance. The town has been the birthplace of patriotic Bulgarians, a centre of beneficiary traditions in aid of the people's progress. Progressive-minded merchants and intellectuals cherished in their hearts a dearest wish to measure the economic, cultural and intellectual growth of the town with European standards and development. This roused greatly the zeal for renewal.

"The flames" of patriotism and Renaissance enthusiasm gave rise to noble beneficiary traditions to serve the needs of education. In an article in "Tsarigradski" newspaper, from July, 1858, the town of Svishtov was mentioned as "the Bulgarian famous centre of teaching" Dimitar Apostolov Tsenov, with his invaluable contribution to the community and the country, stands out among the noble figures of the benefactors from Svishtov.