RDP project database
Internet marketing in rural areas
Summary
Based in rural Estonia, the business support training project raised the competence of local businesses in Internet marketing. The target groups were small businesses, companies and collective non-profit organisations interested in Internet marketing
Background
Micro and small rural companies lack the skills to use marketing possibilities on the Internet. The main aim of the project was to highlight that location of companies in rural areas and small financial possibilities are not necessarily negative factors and that Internet facilities can help improve competitiveness, and hence, financial results of such businesses.
Objective
The main objective of the project was to support rural companies by enhancing their knowledge about and skills in Internet and general marketing, in order to improve their competitiveness and financial results.
Main activities
Before the organisation of the training courses, an advertisement campaign underlining the basic principles of Internet marketing was launched in the local newspapers and on the websites of the municipalities in the area. Different sets of training courses were offered to local businesses, such as: basic introduction seminars; in-depth Internet-marketing courses (40 hrs); construction of new websites (16 hrs); and, in-depth website analysis.
Results & Benefits
The total number of participants from rural companies was 80. 50 people participated in the basic seminars; 15 companies in in-depth Internet-marketing courses; 10 companies in in-depth website analysis, whereas 5 companies designed new web pages. Several ideas about joint Internet marketing and through municipality websites emerged and courses were an important networking occasion for local actors. As a result an increased interest for buying local products was registered.
Lessons learnt
Organising training courses need good planning and time; there is a big need of this type of projects among LAGs, and in general, in rural areas. The Internet is the possibility no matter where the business is located or how small the budget is. The project supported skills acquisition for the rural business sector, and through networking and cooperation at local level allowed for improved marketing skills.
Project location and other information
Municipalities of Tapa, Ambla, Kadrina, Vihula, Kuusalu and Loksa in Estonia
Region
Põhja-Eesti
RDP Territory
Estonia
Total project cost (€)
10 905
EAFRD contribution (€)
7 851
National contribution (€)
1 963
Private contribution (€)
1 091
Project website
Contact name
Heiki Vuntus
Telephone
00372 56485208
Languages for contact
English, Estonian
Document attachment
At a glance
Country
Estonia
Final beneficiary type
Individual farmers, Non-farm or non-forest entreprises
Budget range
< €20 000
Start date:
04/03/2010
End Date:
16/06/2010
Theme / Measure:
Implementing the LEADER Approach
Implementing local development strategies
413. Quality of life/diversification
Keywords:
Internet, Leader, Education, Marketing, Enterprise
Last update
25/04/2012