PoCOBus- The Possibilities of Cooperation, Business and Trade across the Border between the enterprises (KA246)
Funded by Karelia ENPI 2007-2013

Objective of the project

The objective of the project was to create and promote entrepreneurship on both sides of the border, and to advance their cooperation.

Main activities

• Founding of two new enterprises. • Renovating a part of Moberg’s house in Kalevala. • Renovating a house in Paanajärvi for the use of the Museum of the village. • Renovations and small purchase in Vuokkiniemi, Kalevala and Haikola to the use of enterprises and travelers. • Tuition of entrepreneurs in terms of marketing, economic issues and the use of new technology. • Seminars and workshops in business plan and strategy. • Solving and diminishing logistical problems.

Achievements

The number of small enterprises in the target area has increased - 9 totally new enterprises were founded. Also, more than 10 enterprises took part on developing activities and joined business planning. A joint business strategy for all enterprises in the target area was created. Moberg’s house in Kalevala and Paanajärvi museum were partly renovated in the project. The buildings are very important for the cultural tourism in the area. The museum is going to be a center for cultural activities in the village, and gives for the tourist enterprises - including transport, accommodation and nutrition enterprises - a possibility to develop their services. PoCoBus project gave local enterprises as well as the inhabitants of the villages’ positive examples and ideas about future in this area.