Programme and project: European Economic Area Financial Mechanism programme “Local Development, Poverty Reduction and Cultural Cooperation” project No. Nr.LV-LOCALDEV-0001 “Entrepreneurship support measures in the Latgale planning region”.
Project leading partner: Latgale planning region (LPR).
Project partners: Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development (MoEPRD) and Agder county of the Kingdom of Norway.
Total project budget: EUR 1 405 964; MoEPRD budget EUR 162 755.
The objective of the project is to promote local development in the LPR by strengthening the capacity of the LPR and its local governments in business issues and implementing measures to promote employment and business capacity.
Main target groups: LPR, local governments, non-governmental organizations and organizations which represent interests of workers, labor unions, youth and individual persons.
Project implementation period: 25.05.2021.-24.04.2024.
Main activities:
- Strengthening the capacity of the entrepreneurship centre and local governments of the LPR.
The aim is to activate local resources and local partnerships and improve the entrepreneurship support system in the Latgale region. Project activities shall include:
- Training of local government specialists in the promotion of entrepreneurship and intermunicipal cooperation;
- Seminars and discussions on topics concerning the cooperation of entrepreneurs with local governments, educational and scientific institutions and the Latgale Entrepreneurship Centre (LEC);
- Hiring of business specialists;
- Measures to strengthen LEC and its range of services;
- Capacity-building for local authorities to strengthen their entrepreneurship promotion;
- Strengthening the Latgale representation office in Riga - establishing a networking place for entrepreneurs in the Latgale region and potential investors;
- Analysis and assessment of previously financed social and economic measures and summary of best practice from the Latgale region;
- Proposal for the improvements of the development policy for the Latgale region.
- Promoting the Latgale region as an attractive place for business and strengthening its business potential
Project activities shall include:
- Activities to promote the Latgale region, including the Latgale days in Riga;
- Development of promotional videos and a booklet for investors on the economic potential of the region;
- Participation in international investment forums;
- Study visits abroad for local authorities and entrepreneur associations (NGOs).
- Regional mentoring of youth entrepreneurship
The aim is to promote business competitiveness and motivate young people to join the labor market and take the first steps in starting their own business. Project activities shall include:
- Support for the development of local businesses;
- Motivation activities for young people;
- Mentoring/ coaching activities, e.g. entrepreneur camps for young people.
- Support to increase employment and competitiveness, implementing region-specific activities
The aim is to provide and organise different support activities to improve employment opportunities though business development. Project activities include:
- Organisation of seminars for existing and future entrepreneurs on business development and competitiveness;
- Development and testing of a pilot business training module at nine municipal schools in the region;
- Capacity-building to strengthen the operational capacity of enterprises in the region;
- Support for individuals to launch their businesses;
- Implementation of identified region-specific solutions to improve the competitiveness and employment of the region.
Expected results:
- strengthened operational capacity of companies;
- strengthened capacity of the Latgale Business Centre;
- trained specialists in the fields of business promotion and local government cooperation, and strengthened capacity of the LPR;
- strengthened business support capacity in local governments.
Working together for a green, competitive and inclusive Europe!
Contact persons:
Sarmīte Teivāne, Project manager in Latgale planning region, sarmite.teivane@lpr.gov.lv
Senior consultant of Regional Support Instruments Division, State Sustainable Development Planning Department of MoEPRD – Zigmārs Erts (zigmars.erts@varam.gov.lv)