The Seinäjoki Region Development Association Liiveri has been ranked among the five most successful Leader groups in an evaluation by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. The investment generated an additional 570,000 euros in funding for local development.
– It feels good! The pot will be used without reduction for the benefit of local entrepreneurs and projects in Seinäjoki, Ilmajoki and Jalasjärvi, says Executive Director Sinikka Koivumäki.
Liiveri has done well in national comparisons before. In 2013, its strategy was rated as the best in Finland. The recognition brought a prize pool of ten million euros to the people in Liiveri's operating area.
Over the past 20 years, Liiveri has, among other things, accelerated the creation of 75 companies and implemented 450 project ideas. The money does not support operations, but rather enables new openings and the growth aspirations of local companies.
– Already half of the applicants are new actors. That is, companies and associations that have not previously turned ideas into reality with EU money. The entire region will benefit from these implemented ideas, and thanks to the additional funding, development activity will at least remain at the current level, Koivumäki is delighted.
Leader groups are local development associations, of which there are 54 in Finland and over 2,000 throughout Europe. The activities are based on the fact that local people know best how to develop their own home region. If an idea increases the attractiveness of the area, the Leader group helps forward with the development needs and is currently also offering funding.