The Kotona maaseudulla – pitovoimaa yrittäjyydestä project supports immigrants’ settlement in rural areas by developing practical and low-threshold methods that encourage entrepreneurship and strengthen local vitality. The project responds to the need to attract and retain skilled people in sparsely populated areas while increasing internationality and diversity in rural communities.

Rural areas face challenges related to population decline, labour shortages and limited services, while at the same time immigration offers new opportunities for sustainable development. Many immigrants are interested in entrepreneurship but lack local networks, guidance and accessible support, especially in rural regions. The project addresses these challenges by creating concrete operating models that help immigrants start businesses and become active members of local communities.

The main idea of the project is to develop a retention model that regional actors can use to strengthen the attractiveness and competitiveness of rural areas. The model provides practical tools, guidelines and operating practices that support both immigrants and local communities. Through increased participation, networking and entrepreneurship, the project improves immigrants’ integration and long-term attachment to rural areas while enhancing regional vitality.

Digital solutions play a central role in the project. Immigrants’ entrepreneurial skills are developed through digital platforms, tools and learning environments such as online trainings and webinars, which offer flexible and accessible learning opportunities. Digital solutions also enable remote participation and virtual networking, making it easier to stay connected with local actors and support networks in sparsely populated areas.

As part of the project, concrete digital tools and models are created for regional use, including online learning platforms, mentoring systems, operating models, knowledge banks and networking platforms. These tools strengthen immigrants’ entrepreneurial skills and participation, while also giving regional actors new ways to provide support, monitor impact and share knowledge in a long-term and sustainable way. The solutions will remain in use after the project ends, increasing its long-term impact.

The project is implemented in cooperation by Startup Refugees, Suomen Yrittäjäopisto, Aktion Österbotten and Suomen Kylät, and co-funded by the European Union.