From Hobby to Business

Summary of the project

The European Commission has suspended the cooperation with the Russian Federation within this Programme and participation of Russian beneficiaries in project implementation is suspended as well.

The project “From Hobby to Business – Developing Entrepreneurship in the Latvia–Russia Border Area” aims to empower private subsidiary plots and craftsmen and to develop favorable conditions to market their goods and services on both sides of the border.

In municipalities located in the rural border area, many people choose to become craftsmen and domestic producers. They demonstrate high demand for coaching and legal support, and for discovering new partners and markets.

In order to empower local craftsmen and producers the project foresees 2 training cycles on business start-up, marketing and branding, as well as on using local resources and innovative technologies. The trainings will be reinforced by 4 “seminars-discussions” for broader range of stakeholders and by setting up 4 trade missions (including contact exchanges) in Latvia and Russia. The project will also organize local marketplaces in the border areas and bigger fairs in Valka, Karsava (Latvia), Porhovsky district and Novodevyatkino (Russia).

The infrastructural component of the project will help improve market places in Rugāji, Valka, Ape, Baltinava, Cibla, Zilupe, Kārsava, Pechory, Porhov, Pskovsky disctict, Pytalovo and Novodevyatkino. Redecoration and equipment of market premises and outdoor areas will make them more attractive for consumers and comfortable for local craftsmen and producers.