Rural areas often depend on SMEs to stimulate their regional economy. The range of pilots run under VRA sought to encourage local innovation and growth and promote the potential we know exists in rural areas. To stimulate growth it is important for SMEs to identify with their surroundings, and identify with its unique personality. Across all our pilots we aim to create active local partnerships, bringing together a range of stakeholder groups to maximise the growth potential and commercial competitiveness of our areas. This includes creating innovation hubs, promoting business mentors and creating effective partnerships between the public and private sectors.
New technology and engaging with young entrepreneurs is crucial to move our rural communities into the future while also preserving their rural characteristics. Many rural areas have historically suffered from brain drain but the ambition is to ensure that through marketing young people and young businesses are supported to remain regional.
