The aged population in rural areas, attached to the deep economic crises in Greece has created an unfriendly environment for entrepreneurs.
Tax reliefs, promotional campaigns and governmental aid are important factors for the boosting of the retail in these areas.
Action 1 Business Needs Diagnoses Mechanism
Relevance to the project
The practice of the Sligo Region in Ireland for their retail support programme was used as an inspiration. The programme involved the carrying out of a ‘business site audit’ analysing all aspects of retail business.
Nature of the action
The main challenge is to analyse the way that the retailers are currently working in their business and to examine the solutions as to manage to improve sales growth and profitability for each business.
Activities
- Collection of the basic information of the company, the sector, linkages with other firms.
- General diagnosis and a short presentation to SMEs managers.
- To analyse more the chosen subjects.
- Presentation of the report to the business management board.
Stakeholders
- Region of Western Macedonia
- University of Western Macedonia
- Chambers of Commerce
- Trade Associations
- Regional Development Agencies
- Managing Authority of the RWM ROP
- Companies
Timeframe
Announcement: February 2021
Assignment: April 2021
First draft: October 2021
Completion: October 2022
Costs and funding sources
x% of companies in rural areas X (fee per audit)
100 companies 300€ =30000€
The Regional Operational Programme of the Region of Western Macedonia.
Action 2 Promoting Rural Retail Businesses Networking
Relevance to the project
Taking into consideration the practice of Poland and the networking platform of Teruel, the Region of Western Macedonia aims to handle the need to improve Local Businesses recognisability and operation.
Nature of the action
- Measures to establish effective regional networking groups
- Business interactive Seminars
- Networking events such as business meetings and luncheons with successful entrepreneurs as keynote speakers
- Local Retail Coupons
- Open Malls a Local Rural Cities Markets Promotion
Stakeholders
The same as in Action 1.
Timeframe
Networking and Clustering is mature in the midterm. Thus, the timeframe is set to 1,5 years with a possibility for 6 months’ extension.
Costs and funding sources
In order to establish and operate a network, an amount of 200000€ is needed. Since, some actions are considered as state aid, the amount that should be provided by the ROP is estimated to ~50% (i.e. 100000€)
The Regional Operational Programme of Western Macedonia 2021-2027.
Action 3 Informing Rural Retail SMEs on Funding Resources
Relevance to the project
An important is the provision of up-to-date information to Rural Entrepreneurs about all available financial tools and how these can be used for the advancement of their business.
Nature of the action
The Region aims to promote Information activities on funding possibilities, encourage businesses on rural areas to apply for funding, improve familiarity with digital and social media platforms, training sessions and workshops and especially the visits of experts.
Stakeholders
The same as in Action 1 and 2, plus the Intermediate Managing Authorities for State Aid actions.
Timeframe
1 year. Applications from businesses for financing after being informed will continue throughout 2021-2027.
Costs and the funding sources
No current costs are allocated here since the organization will be done by the Managing Authority itself or by other intermediary bodies.
Action 4: Analysis of Rural Areas Retail Development Framework
Relevance to the project
Organizing Integrated Intervention Areas (OXE) – A spatial development model that benefits rural areas.
Each Integrated Intervention Area is organized in 2 levels that include Areas in Focus and a network of such areas.
Nature of the action
OXE’s rural retail businesses benefit by this tool of spatial development with the following ways:
- Commitment of a high percentage of the budget of calls
- Increased incentives and benefits are included to the calls for supporting businesses in OXE.
- Priority on synergies achieved with programs such as LEADER CDDL
- Critical Infrastructures and investments in the region are also evaluated / planned taking into consideration their impact on OXE.
Stakeholders
The same as in Action 1 and 2, plus:
- Regional Council for Research and Development
- Research and Innovation Strategies for Smart Specialization managing structure.
- Development companies
- National Association of Retail
- General Secretariat of Retail and Protection of Consumers
- Private Companies supporting Rural Retail Businesses.
Timeframe
The expected time for completion of the analysis is 6 months after assignment. The initiation of new OXE for rural areas is expected 1 year after the delivery of analysis.
Costs and funding sources
The estimated cost is 20000€. Funding will be provided by the Managing Authority of Regional Operational Programme 2014-2020.
