HeritageHunters&Business

Using the Local Nature and Cultural Heritage for Entrepreneurship

The project seeks ways to improve youth employment. In the eastern border regions – South Karelia and the northern part of Lake Peipus, in the northeastern part of Estonia – young people are united by a high unemployment rate and a difficult employment situation. These areas have fewer job opportunities and activities, which makes it difficult for them to realize their potential.

For example, in 2024, the unemployment rate for young people under 25 in Imatra was around 25%, while East Virumaa had the highest unemployment rate in Estonia, at 13,5%. The lack of job opportunities is causing young people to move away from the regions.

The aim of the training programme implemented in the project is to provide 72 young people under the age of 25 from Finland and Estonia with the knowledge and skills needed to establish and maintain businesses based on local nature and cultural heritage. The training will empower participants to create business opportunities for themselves and contribute to the economic development of their communities.

In the project:

are inspired by service ideas and employment opportunities related to nature and nature culture, and
Young people are offered modular distance learning and networking.

Project partners: