Updates on the Project “Rural-UP” Methodology and Implementation Guide!

The “Rural-UP” scaling-up programme is designed to empower rural small and medium enterprises (SMEs) – especially those in the food and beverage sector across Latvia, Estonia, and Finland. The initiative addresses persistent challenges faced by rural SMEs, such as limited access to international mentorship, sector-specific training, and structured support beyond the start-up phase. The recently developed “Rural-UP” Methodology and its companion Implementation Guide together form a robust framework for supporting these enterprises in their journey toward sustainable growth and international competitiveness.

Methodology: strategic framework for scaling-up

The “Rural-UP” Methodology provides the strategic backbone of the programme. It defines the objectives, structure, and thematic areas – mentoring, training, internationalization, investment readiness, innovation, and sustainability – that underpin the support model. The Methodology ensures that programme delivery is consistent, transparent, and tailored to the real needs of rural SMEs. It sets out clear selection criteria, a transparent process for identifying high-potential companies, and a harmonised approach to evaluating motivation, innovation potential, and readiness for growth.

A key innovation is the use of individual growth roadmaps for each selected enterprise. These roadmaps, co-created with mentors, establish baseline assessments, set measurable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and outline strategic objectives. The Methodology also emphasizes flexibility, allowing KPIs to be revised in response to changing business environments, ensuring continued relevance and impact.

Implementation Guide: from strategy to action

While the Methodology answers the “what” and “why,” the Implementation Guide delivers the “how” and “when.” It translates the strategic framework into actionable steps, providing detailed instructions, templates, and operational recommendations for programme partners, mentors, and participating SMEs. The guide covers the full programme cycle – from the open call and selection process to mentoring, learning activities, joint international events, and final reporting.

A standout feature is the adaptation of the A3 Managing to Learn template, which guides companies through structured problem-solving and continuous improvement. This approach ensures that scaling efforts are focused, data-driven, and aligned with each company’s unique context. The guide also details the use of PPP (Progress, Plans, Problems) templates for mentoring sessions, ensuring accountability and structured follow-up.

The Implementation Guide further strengthens transparency and efficiency by standardizing processes and providing ready-to-use formats for agreements, roadmaps, and reports. It supports scalability and replicability, enabling other organizations to adopt or adapt the “Rural-UP” model in diverse contexts

Partner meeting in Tartu: strengthening collaboration

On 26–27 November 2025, project partners convened in Tartu, Estonia, for a face-to-face meeting. The sessions focused on operationalizing the “Rural-UP” Methodology and Implementation Guide, ensuring alignment across Latvia, Estonia, and Finland. Key discussions included the open call procedure, transparent selection process, and mentor database development, alongside planning next activities such as webinars, international exchange visits, and mentoring sessions. Communication strategies were also refined to enhance visibility and compliance with Interreg branding requirements. This collaborative effort reinforced the programme’s commitment to quality, transparency, and cross-border synergy, laying a strong foundation for the upcoming scaling-up activities.

Together, the Methodology and Implementation Guide create a comprehensive support system that combines strategic vision with practical tools. By focusing on measurable outcomes, continuous learning, and cross-border collaboration, “Rural-UP” is not only helping rural SMEs achieve tangible growth – such as entering new markets, launching innovative products, and attracting investment – but also building a replicable model for sustainable rural development.

As the programme progresses, its outcomes, lessons, and success stories will inform future initiatives and policy development, ensuring that the impact of “Rural-UP” extends well beyond its formal duration. The dual-document approach exemplifies best practice in programme design, offering both clarity of purpose and operational excellence for rural enterprise support.

The project Rural Enterprise Expansion Initiative (Rural-UP | CB0600372) is funded under the
Interreg Central Baltic Programme 2021–2027.