51 Applications Submitted to Rural-UP Open Call, Showing Strong Interest from Rural SMEs
The Open Call of the Rural-UP Scaling-Up Programme has officially come to a close, with a total of 51 applications received from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the partner regions.
The level of interest was visible not only in the number of applications, but also during the Open Call period itself. A series of informational seminars organised by the project attracted more than 100 participants, indicating that many rural businesses are actively looking for ways to grow, adapt, and explore new opportunities.
Applications were received from Finland, Estonia, and Latvia (Latgale and Vidzeme regions), with slightly different dynamics in each region, but overall a consistently strong response.
After the evaluation process, 32 companies have been selected to join the programme:
- Finland: 11 applications received, 9 approved
- Estonia: 11 applications received, 8 approved
- Latgale (Latvia): 13 applications received, 7 approved
- Vidzeme (Latvia): 16 applications received, 8 approved
The applicants represent a mix of sectors – from small-scale production and local services to more innovation-driven and digital businesses. What they have in common is a clear intention to strengthen their operations and look beyond their current markets.
“We saw a genuine interest from companies that are ready to take the next step. Many of them are already established locally, but are now thinking about growth in a more structured way,” said Madara Narņicka, Valmiera Development Agency.
The results of the Open Call suggest that rural SMEs are not only interested in funding opportunities but are also increasingly looking for practical support, knowledge, and tools that help them scale in a sustainable way.
The selected companies will now enter the next phase of the Rural-UP programme, where they will work with experts, test new approaches, and further develop their business potential.
This activity was supported as part of RURAL-UP, an Interreg Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 project co-funded by the European Union.
Anete Todu
Valmiera Development Agency
Communication Manager
+371 26394380
anete.todu@valmierasnovads.lv
