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Description
The objective of the Project is to promote local development in the Latgale Planning Region (LPR) by strengthening the capacity of the LPR and its local governments in business issues and implementing measures to promote employment and business capacity.
Project Applicant: Latgale Planning Region; partners: Ministry of Environmental Protection Regional Development (MEPRD); Agder County in Norway (AC).
Total costs: EUR 1,495,417.14
The target groups are as follows: LPR, local governments, entrepreneurs, non-governmental organizations, including organizations representing employees, trade unions, young people and natural persons.
Main activities: 1. Strengthening the capacity of the LPR Business Centre and local governments; 2. Activities for promoting Latgale region; 3. Regional youth business mentoring 4. Support for increasing employment and competitiveness through the region-specific activities.
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.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address the challenges of fostering local development in the Latgale Planning Region (LPR) by enhancing the capacity of the LPR and its municipalities in entrepreneurship-related matters, as well as implementing initiatives to boost employment and promote entrepreneurship. The implementation of the project activities was in accordance with the project application, leading to the successful achievement of its intended objectives.
Activity 1: Strengthening the capacity of the LPR Business Centre and local governments
The objective of the activity was to activate local resources and local partnerships between economic operators, local government institutions, the financial sector and the non-governmental sector in order to promote business and increase the level of development of the Latgale Region. The main activity was aimed at improving the business support system in the Latgale Region. The capacity building of Latgale Business Centre (LBC) and local governments shall be carried out by attracting two qualified business specialists, as well as strengthening the technical capacity of LBC. Seminars and discussions were organized on topics that strengthened the capacity of local government employees, their ability to independently provide advisory support on the creation and development of competitive business, new forms of business models for commercialization of ideas, risk management in business, creative thinking methods for business idea development, investment attraction. In its turn, in order to more efficiently handle the development planning of the Latgale Region, the Project Partner MEPRD evaluated the potential of socio-economic development of the region, as well as developed recommendations for future support mechanisms for promoting socio-economic development of territories in special economic zones in Latgale.
Under this activity, the capacity of the Latgale Business Centre was strengthened, and the functioning of the Latgale Representative Office was ensured. A total of 91 professional staff members from municipalities received training in entrepreneurship promotion and intermunicipal cooperation. Additionally, 18 representatives from the LPR, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development (now The Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development), and municipalities enhanced their skills during an experience exchange trip to Norway.
The activity also involved assessing the impact of previously implemented measures in special economic zones in Latgale on the region''s development. As part of this sub-activity, a comprehensive evaluation of business support measures in SEZs, which have significantly influenced the socio-economic growth of Latgale, was completed.
In addition, “Development of an evaluation on Development of Human resources skills and innovations - Co-operation models for Development of innovations in the Eastern border area of Latvia”, “Development of an evaluation on the impact of the war in Ukraine on the Eastern border Regions of the European Union” were developed.
Activity 2: Regional awareness-raising activities
The objective of the activity was to popularize the Latgale Region as an attractive place for business and strengthen the region''s business potential. The main attention of the activity was focused on the promotion of LPR and the Latgale local government business on a local and international scale, organizing awareness-raising events and participating in investment promotion events abroad. The activity included the organization of the Latgale Days in Riga, events at the Latgale Representative Office in Riga, LPR participation in investment forums abroad, the creation of the Latgale Region video presentation and other awareness-raising events.
As part of the activity, all municipalities in the Latgale region participated in regional awareness promotion efforts. To boost the visibility and activity of the region''s businesses, three "Latgale Day" events were held in Riga and the Latgale region. These events attracted over 39,000 live viewers in 2021, more than 29,000 in 2022, and over 11,000 in 2023 on www.delfi.lv. A total of 117 local entrepreneurs took part in these events. Additionally, local products were promoted internationally through three visits to neighboring countries, organized by local authorities and NGOs.
Activity 3: Regional youth business mentoring
The objective of the activity was to promote the increase of business competitiveness, motivate young people to integrate into the labor market and take steps to start their own business. The youth-mentoring activities included thematic business motivation activities and camps, during which young people developed communication and initiative skills and gained knowledge for starting a business, by attracting experienced mentors.
As part of the activity, two camps were organized for young people from Latgale and Agder, with a total of 31 participants. Additionally, entrepreneurship knowledge was enhanced for 124 students through four mentoring and coaching events. The Youth Enterprise Championships were held at the Kristiansand Kongressenter, with around 500 young people from Norway participating. After the championship, special workshops were arranged for the winners to help them prepare for the Norwegian national championship. JA Norway also hosted a masterclass to provide the winners with inspiration and new insights. To further support JA Norway''s activities, props and materials were produced to improve the overall quality of the events.
Activity 4: Support for increasing employment and competitiveness through the region-specific activities.
The objective of the activity was to increase employment opportunities in the region and strengthen the competitiveness of the Latgale Region. Within the framework of the activity, informative seminars were organized for existing and future economic operators in order to provide knowledge, share experience on business development and competitiveness issues. In order to promote employment and increase competitiveness, was developed and implemented a region-specific solution - interest education programs in the field of business. Strengthening business education among children and young people have a positive impact on the dynamics of the business environment in the region''s economy.
A total of 83 entrepreneurs gained knowledge on enhancing business competitiveness through 16 seminars, and the operational capacity of 83 companies was strengthened. In addition, 3 innovative business idea competitions were held, and 15 participants were supported with an exchange-of-experience trip to Norway, providing inspiration for the development of local businesses.
A new entrepreneurship education program, "I - ENTREPRENEUR," was developed for four age groups (preschool, grades 1-4, grades 5-9, and grades 10-12). A comprehensive teacher''s manual, consisting of over 540 pages and 30 lessons, was also created.
In the 2023/2024 school year, 106 groups were formed, training 1,496 children and youth across 80 educational institutions in 9 municipalities. In the 2024/2025 school year, 106 groups trained 1,311 students in the same institutions and municipalities. Altogether, 2,807 children and youth were trained. Additionally, technical equipment was provided to 80 educational institutions in the region.
Public outreach efforts included activities on social media (with 1,100 Facebook followers), content on three websites, 12 local media publications, 4 national media articles, 4 video stories, and 59 press releases. A project-closing conference was also organized.
The project achieved significant results by promoting local development in the Latgale Planning Region (LPR) through strengthened capacity in business-related matters and implementing measures to boost employment and business growth.
This is demonstrated by the results achieved as follows:
- Strengthened Operational Capacity (output 1.1): The operational capacity of 60 companies in the region was enhanced. The Entrepreneurship Centre continues to function effectively with improved capacity to support entrepreneurship in the Latgale region.
- Capacity development of local and regional-level development agents was supported (output 1.1): A total of 97 professional staff members from local and regional governments were trained in entrepreneurship promotion and intermunicipal cooperation. All 9 municipalities in the region participated in capacity-building initiatives aimed at fostering entrepreneurship.
- Support for Business Development (output 1.2): 15 individuals received support for local business development through targeted initiatives.
In order to promote the competitiveness and employment of the region, a region-specific solution - interest education programmes in the business field were developed and implemented. As a result, 2,807 children and youth were trained, nurturing entrepreneurial skills from an early age.
The project, supported by EEA grants, addressed critical regional challenges in Latgale by promoting business development and instilling entrepreneurial thinking among young people. These efforts not only supported immediate economic activity but also contributed to the long-term development of business skills and international competitiveness in the region. The success of the program emphasizes the importance of timely interventions and adaptability in difficult environments.
Throughout the project, the planned goals and objectives were achieved, with participation from all target groups, including the LPR, municipalities, entrepreneurs, NGOs, organizations representing workers and trade unions, as well as young people and individuals.
Summary of bilateral results
The project greatly benefited from having a donor project partner, particularly the Agder regional municipality in Norway. Valuable insights were gained from their extensive experience in working with young people in the field of entrepreneurship. Norwegian experts from Junior Achievement of Norway played an active role in developing the interest education program "I - Entrepreneur." A delegation of experts from Agder visited Latgale to conduct classes for teachers and young people, sharing effective teaching methods and demonstrating various activities and techniques. Describe the main results from a bilateral level. They provided guidance on designing and presenting the curriculum in engaging and innovative ways, which significantly enhanced the quality of the educational program and fostered a dynamic learning environment.The project resulted in robust bilateral cooperation between the Latgale Region and the Agder Regional Municipality. Experts from both Latvia and Norway collaborated closely in developing the interest education programs, leading to the creation of a diverse array of educational materials. Norwegian experts, who previously focused on older students, acquired valuable new methods for engaging younger children through this partnership. This exchange of knowledge enriched their teaching strategies and approaches. Additionally, various props and materials were produced to enhance the quality of Junior Achievement Norway''s activities, further contributing to the overall effectiveness of entrepreneurship education in both regions.Within the framework of the established cooperation, new activities in the field of business, education and culture are planned to continue the bilateral cooperation.