Areas of intervention
You can apply for funding in these areas:
All project funds from Leader Södermanland will go to initiatives that contribute to the goals of our development strategy. To achieve the goals and strive towards our vision, we have identified three areas of focus that we focus on and that you can apply for funds within.
In Leader Södermanland, all areas of intervention are based on the Leader method and our overarching principles, where the bottom-up perspective is always in focus. It is important to take advantage of local commitment to rural development.
The projects should take into account planetary boundaries, be based on equal treatment and non-discrimination principles, and integrate the principle of gender equality into the project's working methods. This will be taken into account by our board when assessing projects. Where possible, we would like to see a 4-way partnership between private, public, non-profit sector and R&D (Research and Education).
AREA OF INTERVENTION 1
A sustainable business community
The business community has a very large responsibility in the transition to a sustainable society. Developing a sustainable and competitive business community requires knowledge, resources and cooperation.
The focus area enables projects that, in collaboration, promote the development of existing companies so that employment in the area increases or the companies become more competitive.
AREA OF INTERVENTION 2
Innovative solutions
The need for innovative solutions is great in Leader Södermanland. Since the different rural areas in the area look very different, this means that the conditions for rural development differ. The need for innovative solutions for development exists in all sectors, the non-profit, public and private.
The focus area will contribute to smart rural areas where local communities develop creative solutions to local challenges. By using the unique strengths and opportunities of the locality, active residents contribute to sustainable development in the area.
AREA OF INTERVENTION 3
Stay and live
Attractive rural areas where people can live and thrive are the basis for a prosperous society. An inclusive rural area offers people the opportunity to live there at all stages of life, from young to old.
For people to have the opportunity to work, live and thrive in a rural area, well-functioning services, leisure activities and developmental initiatives and activities are needed.
GOAL 1
Increased livelihood opportunities
This goal is to promote the growth and employment of businesses in the area, as well as the creation of new products in the form of goods and services in rural areas.
A developed business sector gives more people the opportunity to work in the rural areas where they live. Our development strategy shows that employment is low in the Leader Södermanland area of operation, but that there are also good conditions for development.
This goal harmonizes well with one of two priorities that emerges in the regional development strategy, namely ”a growing labor market, where the demand for skills and the supply of labor with different educational backgrounds and experiences can be met.”
The goal also harmonizes well with the regional food strategy's goal of increasing local food production and creating better conditions for entrepreneurs. The goal is also about accelerating the transition to a sustainable business environment in all sectors of the area.
GOAL 2
Improved conditions for living and working
This objective will contribute to creating conditions for living and working in rural areas in the Leader Södermanland area of operation.
The goal is to contribute to sustainable rural areas that can handle generational shifts, where migration chains work, schools have a more even foundation, and where businesses are not affected by demographic changes. The relationship between cities and rural areas is changing as more and more people move to rural areas.
The need for housing for young people, the elderly and families with children varies depending on their life and family situation. In order for people to choose to settle or remain in rural areas, it is a prerequisite that there is access to different types of housing and basic social services. The part of the rural population who carry out their daily work in the countryside or who for other reasons have difficulty getting outside the town is negatively affected by a lack of services.
It is also important that those who choose to live in rural areas not only have access to services, but also access to meaningful leisure time.