RDP project database
On-line Support for Promotion of Local Businesses
Summary
A Local Action Group (LAG) supported project which aims to raise the profile of companies through artistic imagery and ICT by creating a network of professionals, as well as innovative ideas about how to promote their know-how, services and products.
Background
Companies in France's Provence Alpes Côtes d’Ázur are often small and isolated, and local people and tourists are unaware of their existence. Tourist publicity tends to focus on restaurants and hotels, so visitors remain unaware of this hidden know-how. Local businesses wanted to increase awareness of their work, but did not have suitable communication skills. Local artist Anne Pancaldi has given them access to ICT and helped promote their know-how.
Objective
The AMACA (Academie Majeure des Arts Contemporains Alpins) association aims to raise the profile of companies through artistic imagery and ICT. The initiative aims to: 1) Create a network of 50 professionals (artisans, artists, companies, traders) from 37 communes; 2) Promote their professional know-how in an innovative way, and; 3) Develop cultural tourism and bring benefits to local trades and services.
Main activities
The AMACA association works with individual companies, but promotes them collectively. The association meets companies and invites them to join the association. An AMACA artist produces a photographic record of the company’s activities and a website is developed to promote the business. Six 'information kiosks' are also being created (using a local cabinet maker to produce the units) with project funding to promote local businesses through short 2-3 minute long digital slideshows.
Results & Benefits
The project connects 92 companies (29 from the LEADER programme), reducing isolation and establishing commercial relationships. By providing ICT services for companies it has expanded their geographic reach. Artistic promotion has increased pride in their businesses, improving creative and economic activity. It has also improved the quality of products and services, and raised public awareness of the importance of ICT.
Lessons learnt
The project was started by a local professional artist and many companies have now joined it. The network is based on common goals: building customer loyalty; reducing isolation; promoting communications; developing and maintaining know-how. Inclusion in the LEADER programme has allowed it to expand to other valleys, but the lack of involvement by public bodies has made it difficult to find and fund sites, such as Tourist Offices, for terminals.
Project location and other information
Greater Briançon region
Region
PACA
RDP Territory
Hexagone
Total project cost (€)
74 958
EAFRD contribution (€)
27 660
National contribution (€)
22 632
Private contribution (€)
24 666
Project website
Contact name
Anne PANCALDI
Telephone
+33 492 202 062
Languages for contact
French
At a glance
Country
France
Final beneficiary type
Other, Non-governmental organisations
Budget range
€20 000 - €99 999
Start date:
01/09/2009
End Date:
01/07/2011
Theme / Measure:
Rural Quality of Life & Economic Diversification
Rural economic diversification
313. Encouragement of tourism activities
Keywords:
Partnership, Communication technology, Tourism, Marketing, Enterprise
Last update
17/05/2011