Strong small and medium entreprises SMEs are the aorta and the backbone of a local and regional economy. They often make high quality products and maintain a high standard of technical skills. Resourceful entrepreneurs strengthen the vitality and cohesion of a region. Citizens with lasting jobs have - mostly - an active social life, contribute strongly to the club life in their local communities, and have an open mind for modern developments and innovations.



However, durable and sustainable SMEs and lasting jobs are not a matter-of-course, but actually a subject of constant care, also by the regional authorities.Vital Rural Area, chooses, therefore, the empowerment of SMEs, the widening of their raison d'etre and commercial perspectives as well as their fortified co-operation with educational institutes, as the first of its three inter-connected spearheads or workpackages.



branding of the region

The key qualities of a region, its historic and cultural identity, its landscapes and countryside, its townscapes and amenities, and its leisure, recreational and industrial utilities, are essential to retain existing SMEs and their professional employees.These features are, on the other hand, also crucial to hold inhabitants, and to attract new SMEs and lifestyle businesses, future residents (e.g. young families with children, young pensioners) and tourists.



These main characteristics have to be communicated inside and outside the region in a professional and consistent way to present the region as an attractive place to live, work, invest and relax in. On top of that, the co-operative promoting by inhabitants, existing SMEs and other local organisations will strengthen local structures and self awareness. Vital Rural Area chooses, therefore, the branding of the region, as the second of its three, inter-connected spearheads or workpackages.