Sustainability transition driven by micro entrepreneurs in rural areas

Sustainability transition driven by micro entrepreneurs in rural areas

The decline in the use of peat energy in rural areas has a significant impact on employment, particularly for young individuals with lower educational attainment. The project's objective is to enhance the economic prospects of these demographic groups, primarily through the establishment of new businesses and the development of relevant competencies. Despite the potential presented by carbon-neutral energy production, the current trend suggests that the advantages are disproportionately favoring larger entities and prosperous regions. Consequently, the project seeks to identify mechanisms for a more equitable distribution of the benefits of the energy revolution, specifically targeting rural areas. The target group of the project consists of entrepreneurs in the South Karelia region, especially those interested in sustainability transition or business development, as well as entrepreneurs whose operations are centrally focused on peat and are directly affected by the cessation of peat energy use, either as a direct threat of unemployment or as a requirement for redirecting their business. Additionally, it includes entrepreneurs who have already altered their business due to the phasing out of peat. The target group also includes young individuals interested in entrepreneurship, or for whom the opportunity to find employment in the peat industry has disappeared. In the aftermath of peat production cessation, there is a crucial need for new enterprises that can facilitate the employment of young and less educated men in affected regions. Within the project framework, the focus is on highlighting the experiences and aspirations of the target demographic, serving as the foundation for generating novel business ideas and establishing networks. Furthermore, efforts will be directed towards enhancing the capabilities of rural entrepreneurs in navigating the shift towards sustainability and adapting to change. A central inquiry pertains to how the local implementation of sustainability can invigorate regional vitality and how rural areas can be integrated into the broader global energy revolution. The project encompasses five distinct work packages:

1. Mapping and Understanding Needs: This phase involves conducting dialogues in various municipalities, enabling target groups to articulate their experiences, challenges, and aspirations in the context of sustainability transition. The objective is to systematically analyze the post-peat use scenario and articulate the future perspectives of diverse groups. The mapping is directed in the direction of business development. Let's map what kind of entrepreneurship the participants are interested in and how business activities can be financed and supported.

2. Coaching and Changing Attitudes: The project provides coaching and training initiatives aimed at motivating and supporting the target group in cultivating entrepreneurial ventures as alternatives to the peat industry. Additionally, efforts will be made to foster a more positive attitude towards the sustainability transition. The content of the training takes into account the perspective of the company level, and the perceptions and needs that emerged in the mapping (WP1).

3. Development of New Business Concepts: This phase is dedicated to the formulation of innovative business ideas, partnerships, and networks aligned with the project's objectives. Representatives of financial channels are included in the workshops, who tell about services suitable for small entrepreneurs and financial channels that help in the development of business operations. 4. Project Management and Communication: Ensuring effective project management and communication to facilitate the smooth implementation of initiatives.

5. Cross-Regional Cooperation and Sharing: The project actively promotes collaboration and knowledge exchange between Western Finland and Eastern Finland. This inv