Good practice:

Service Points

The problem addressed with this practice is the need of a local shop in the rural areas, the difficulties for them to make profit and survive with a small customer base. When a shop is appointed to be a Service Point, they receive a recompense for executing several services on behalf of the Municipality. These services are agreed on together with the municipality. They receive an amount between Euro 3000 to 5000 (SEK 30 000 to 50 000) per year to function as a hub for the local community. This also to create a natural meeting point for the inhabitants in the village, have a cup of coffee and a chat or use the public computor. The amount paid depends on the number of services the Service Point have possibility to execute. To be appointed creates opportunities for the business owner to apply for special grants from the government to develop their business. There will be six Service Points instated in the Municipality, three is already up and running.
The practice is going to be implemented over a three-year period with the aim to instate six Service Points in the Municipality of Söderhamn. The grants are instated in the basic budget of the Municipality which assures the survival of the practice in the long run.
The main beneficiaries are the locals in the area due to the fact that this practice can help the local shop to survive and develop its services, but it is also good for tourists and visitors as it becomes a natural place to go and get information and help.

Funding is granted and calculated in the Municipalities yearly budget with an amount of SEK 300 000 (Euro 30 000) per year.

The practice opens doors for the business owner to apply for regional funding that would not been accessible otherwise. Funding that will develop the business, upgrade equipment and help the business to expand. On of our appointed Service Points in Trönö has received SEK 1,5 million (Euro 150 000) from our government development fund for rural areas to expand the shop and upgrade the interior. They are also able to expand their business and offer more services due to more space in the shop.

One challenge that can occur is if there is an area where the Municipality feels that there should be a Service Point instated and the business owner is not willing to develop or expand their business.

The importance of having a secure budget allowed for this practice to continue also after the period of implementation. The business owners then get a chance to develop their business over time. This is very important that time is allowed for the concept to be fortified and that the Service Point will be the natural choice when you are looking for service in the rural areas.