KaakonKantri is a communication platform for media content, events and training to support usage of EARDF funding in development of rural area and SMEs.
KaakonKantri is a communicational development project, implemented by local Leader Länsi-Saimaa Association. Project serves needs and objectives of regional public authority Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment, SE Finland (KAS-ELY) for improved communication of EAFRD funding possibilities for SME’s. KAS-ELY recognised the needs to improve the promotion of funding possibilities, to encourage SMEs to apply more actively funding for their business development. KaakonKantri is an answer to this need. It is funded by KAS-ELY and implemented by a Leader group. It was launched in 2015. KaakonKantri has a website (https://kaakonkantri.fi/) and social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram). It also produces videos to YouTube. Project workers write articles in cooperation with project stakeholders. They are published either in KaakonKantri website or other digital or printed media channels. Project organises training sessions, workshops and events to serve the purpose. It is done by a daring style to test new ways in promoting funding. In addition to activating SMEs, KaakonKantri has also an objective to develop the communication skills of people working in regional development projects. Project phase 1 started in 10/ 2015 and ended in 12/2016. Project received funding for continuum, so the 2nd phase of project started in 2/2017 and ended 1/2020 and final phase 3 started in 02/2020.
Resources needed
Full-time worker and a seasonal part-time worker. In addition to staff costs, monetary resources are needed for maintaining accounts and programs. Minor cost have been spent to marketing and events. Funding for the 1st phase was €112 700, for 2nd phase €299 999 and 3rd phase €299 818.
Evidence of success
Objectives of project relate to communication indicators: potential applicants reached and the amounts of followers in different media channels. Kaakonkantri has evidently increased large amounts of people following the communication content project has produces. Feedback gathered from participants in the events indicate positive response. Project has was proved to positively influence the image local SMEs have on the possibilities provided by the Rural Development Programme.
Difficulties encountered
The sustainability of actions are challenge as the actions are implemented in a project form.
Potential for learning or transfer
Methods and tools of KaakonKantri for promotion of public / programme funding are fully transferable.
Tags: Development, Funding, Information, Rural, SME
